
I1M 



William Hale white 
U 

Materia ine dica, pimasnacy, pharma- 
cology, and therar-ev. tios; edited 
by R. w. wiioox. 4th. American ed., 
thoroughly revised . 



Philadelphia, 
P. BlafciBton'a son & Co 
1898. 






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AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO THE SECOND ENGLISH EDITION. 



Throughout the whole book the attempt has been to include 
all the more important recent additions to our knowledge. Anti- 
toxins and preparations of animal tissues are briefly described. 
Each of the non-pharmacopoeial drugs which were in the first 
edition grouped in an appendix is now placed in the body of the 
book among the drugs whose action it resembles*, but it is stated 
that it is not official. This has been done because it appeared 

lore convenient for the reader. I have to thank those who have 
en so good as to suggest improvements. It will be found that 

have availed myself freely of their suggestions. 




EDITOR'S PREFACE TO THE FOURTH AMERICAN EDITION. 



The appearance of the Second English Edition affords the 
opportunity for a thorough revision of the book. In addition to 
le re-arrangement in general, the drugs of animal origin are 
rranged in groups showing their uses, and, in the Appendix, 
'assified according to their source. In presenting this edition he 
ould acknowledge his indebtedness, for numerous and valuable 
suggestions, to the many teachers, and especially to Dr. R. H. M. 
Dawbarn, who have used the previous editions in their class- 
rooms, to the reviewers who have courteously, but critically, exam- 
ined the book, and to Dr. Henry H. Rusby and Dr. Charles Rice 
for important aid, particularly in regard to the definitions. 
The writings of most American and foreign authorities have been 
freely consulted. To bring this work up to date, his own journal 
files, which comprise all the periodicals devoted to the subjects 
upon which it treats, have been carefully studied. The unofficial 
preparations have been reviewed after consideration of the recent 
literature, and his practical experience with them. For the con- 
venience of the student a very complete index has been prepared 
with the assistance of Dr. Charles J. Mooney. Brackets [ ] are 
used throughout the book to indicate additions by the Editor. 

5 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Definitions • -^ -^ • • 9 

Pharmacy * n 

Pharmacology and Therapeutics 37 

Prescribing ' 40 

Actions of Drugs *% 45 

Drugs acting on Processes outside the Body . .- 46 

Drugs acting on the Blood 49 

Drugs acting on the Ca^djas? Mechanism 52 

Drugs acting on the Vessels 56 

Drugs acting on the Skin 61 

Drugs acting on the Urinary System * 63 

Drugs acting on Bodily Heat 68 

Drugs acting on Respiration . 71 

Drugs act'ng on the Digestive Apparatus 75 

Drugs acting on the Nervous [and Muscular] Systems 94 

Drugs acting on the Organs ofCjeneration 108 

- Drugs acting on Metabolism rr no 

PhA&macopceial Inorganic Materia Medica — 

5roup I. Water . in 

II. The Alkaline Metals w . . 116 

III. The Alkaline Earths . 147 

IV. Lead, Silver, Zinc, Copper, Bismuth ......... 160 

V. Iron and Manganese 178 

VI. [Gold and] Mercury 198 

VII. Arsenic, Antimony, Chromium 211 

VIII. Phosphorus 222 

IX. Chlorine, Iodine, Bromine 227 

X. Sulphur [and its Compounds] 242 

XI. Acids 246 

XII. Carbon and its Compounds . . 259 

7 



8 CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Pharmacopceial Organic Vegetable Materia Medica — 

GROUP I. Drugs acting on the Nervous System 325 

II. Drugs acting on the Heart 394 

III. Drugs acting on the Respiratory Organs 420 

IV. Drugs which are Antiperiodic and Antipyretic 433 

V. Purgatives 455 

VI. Volatile Oils 485 

VII. Bitters 549 

VIII. Astringents 561 

IX. Demulcents 574 

X. Parisiticides 589 

XI. Diuretics 597 

XII. [Drugs acting upon the Uterus] 603 

XIII. Colchicum 609 

XIV. Stearoptens 612 

XV. Drugs containing Important Acids 618 

XVI. Flavoring Agents 625 

XVII. Coloring Agents 631 

XVIII. Drugs whose Action is Mechanical 632 

XIX. Drugs [acting on Metabolism] 638 

Pharmacopceial Organic Animal Materia Medica— 

[Group I. Drugs acting on the Nervous System 648 

II. Purgatives 649 

III. Digestants , 650 

IV. Drugs which are also Foods 653 

V. Emollients 658 

VI. Coloring Agents 660 

VII. Drugs whose Action is Mechanical 661 

VIII. Organic Extracts (not official) 669 

IX. Antitoxins (not official) 671] 

Appendix I. Vegetable Natural Orders 675 

[Appendix II. Animal Natural Orders 680] 

Appendix III. Latin Phrases used in Prescriptions 681 

Index . • • . 683 



MATERIA MEDICA 
PHARMACY, PHARMACOLOGY 



AND 



THERAPEUTICS. 



DEFINITIONS. 



Materia Medica. — [The materials used in the treatment of 
disease. 

Therapeutics. — The application of remedial agents in the 
treatment of disease. It includes : 

General Therapeutics. — The application of curative 
agents other than drugs and medicines.] E. g., diet, 
climate, baths, venesection. 
Rational Therapeutics. — [Therapeutics based upon 
Pharmaco-dynamics.] E.g., the use of digitalis for 
mitral disease. 
Empirical Therapeutics. — [Therapeutics based upon 
clinical experiences only. E. g., the use of colchicum 
for gout. 
In this work we shall consider only that part of Thera- 
peutics which is concerned with drugs. 
Pharmacology. — The study of Materia Medica and Thera- 
peutics, including the origin, history, properties and uses of 
drugs and medicines. It includes : 

Pharmacognosy. — The study of the physical and 
chemical characters of drugs, and the art of identify- 

9 



10 DEFINITIONS. 

ing and selecting them in accordance with those char- 
acters. 
Pharmaco-Dynamics. — The study of the action of 
remedial agents upon the organism of man, or the 
lower animals in a state of health. 
Therapeutics. — Although the correct definition of this 
term is as given above, yet it is, for want of a better 
one, often used as the name of the branch of study 
which deals with Therapeutics. Therapo- Dynamics 
has been used in the same sense, but is faulty. Expe- 
rimental Therapeutics has been suggested, but is 
not comprehensive. 
Toxicology. — The study of the nature, effects and detection 
of poisons, substances which, introduced into the body inoppor- 
tunely or in excessive amounts, are capable of destroying life. 
Courses of study and treatises upon Toxicology are, for conveni- 
ence, commonly made to include the subject of antidotes and 
treatment, although this is, strictly speaking, a part of Thera- 
peutics. 

Pharmacy. — The art of preparing drugs in a form suitable 
for use as remedial agents and of dispensing them. 

Pharmacopoeia. — A code of remedial agents, usually with 
descriptions, definitions or directions, prepared by experts ap- 
pointed by an authority of some kind, and intended to serve 
as a standard until superseded by a new one. By admitting 
certain articles to its pages, it declares them to be of importance, 
through the extent of their use, or to be entitled to confidence 
because of their value, or both, in the practice of medicine, but 
does not, necessarily, deny these properties to articles not ad- 
mitted. It fixes their official title or titles, and often their lead- 
ing synonym or synonyms. Usually it defines them, describes 
them with sufficient completeness to provide for identification 
and determination of the proper degree of purity, or strength, 
or both, and details and recommends such operations in prepar- 
ing them as pertain to a dispensing pharmacy. It may, in addi- 
tion, fix or limit doses and provide rules, formulae, tables, and 
other information and directions of importance in the practice 



PHARMACY. 11 

of pharmacy and medicine. It also fixes a date upon which its 
authority shall commence. Everything contained in the United 
States Pharmacopoeia (abbreviation "U. S. P.") is said to be 
1 ' official. ' ' " Not official/' as used in this work, refers only to 
the U. S. P. Many drugs and preparations are so designated 
which are, however, official in the British Pharmacopoeia (abbre- 
viation <B. P.") 

The United States Pharmacopoeia is prepared by a 
committee, meeting at the beginning of each decade, consisting 
of delegates appointed by invitation extended by the President 
of the preceding Convention, to all incorporated medical and 
pharmaceutical societies and medical and pharmaceutical colleges, 
and to the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Hospital 
Service. By Congressional action the U. S. P. is made a legal 
authority in the conduct of the Department of Customs, of the 
Army, Navy, and Marine Hospital Service, and of the District of 
Columbia and other Territories within the jurisdiction of the 
United States laws. By legislative enactment it is also made a 
legal authority within the jurisdiction of many States. With 
these exceptions its authority is but moral. The last edition 
became official on January i, 1894.] 

PHARMACY. 

[Pharmacy covers a field of nearly as much importance, 
breadth and difficulty as that of medicine itself, and requires a 
special, extensive and thorough preparation. It should never 
be practiced by the physician, when the services of a competent 
manufacturing or dispensing pharmacist can be utilized. The 
physician should, however, be acquainted with the general prin- 
ciples and most details of the science and art of Pharmacy, that 
he may judge intelligently of the services rendered him by the 
pharmacist, and also be prepared to act with safety himself in 
cases of emergency. A pharmaceutical education to this extent, 
accompanied by dispensary practice, should be provided for in 
every thorough course of medical study. The more important 
terms pertaining to Pharmacy are defined and explained below. 



k 



12 PHARMACY. 



DEFINITION OF TERMS AS APPLIED TO SUBSTANCES OF 
VEGETABLE ORIGIN. 

Alkaloids. — (Their English names terminating in ine, their 
Latin names terminating in ina.) Compounds of carbon, hydro- 
gen and nitrogen, and usually containing also oxygen, either 
existing in the plant as proximate principles, or being derived 
from other alkaloids, having basic properties, and forming salts, 
usually crystallizable, with acids, without displacing any of the 
hydrogen of the latter. The chief characters are as follows : 

(i) Either 

(a) solid, mostly crystalline and colorless, non-volatile, or 

(b) liquid and volatile.] 

(2) They turn red litmus paper blue. 

[(3) They are soluble in alcohol, chloroform, benzin, benzol, and often in 
ether. They are insoluble in water, but not so their salts, while the latter are 
insoluble in chloroform, ether, benzin and benzol. 

(4) They are usually precipitated from saline solutions by alkalies. 

(5) One or more of the following will precipitate them: tannic, phospho- 
molybdic or picric acid, potassio mercuric iodide or auric chloride.] 

(6) Their solutions are usually [intensely] bitter. 

[Alkaloids are, as a class, the most energetic and important medicinal 
constituents of plants. Examples in U. S. P. : Atropine, Morphine, Strychnine. 

Glucosides. — (Their English names terminating in in, their 
Latin names terminating m-.inum.) Bodies which heated with 
a diluted mineral acid and water, or by the action of a ferment, 
split up into glucose and some other substances (alcohols, alde- 
hydes, phenols). Examples in U. S. P. : Salicinum, Picrotoxinum. 

Amaroids or Bitter Principles (their names ending in 1) 
and inum as above) are of such varied nature that they do not 
admit of any chemical diagnosis. The term includes all distinctly 
bitter extractives of definite chemical composition other than 
alkaloids and glucosides. 



1. 



Glucosides and Amaroids are not the only principles whose names end 
in in.~\ 

Fixed Oils are ethers of the higher fatty acids which at 



DEFINITIONS. 13 

ordinary temperatures remain liquid. The usual fatty acids 
entering into the composition of fixed oils are oleic, palmitic, and 
stearic. 

Example : Olive oil consists of a mixture of a combination of oleic acid 
(C 18 H 34 2 ) with glyceryl (C 3 H 5 ) and palmitic acid (C l6 H 32 2 ) with glyceryl. 
That is to say, ordinary olive oil is a mixture of two oils having the formulse 
C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 33 2 ) 3 and C 3 H 5 (C 16 H 31 2 ) 3 respectively. When acted upon by 
caustic alkalies or metallic oxides they form soaps (oleates, palmitates, or 
stearates of metals) and glycerin. This process is called saponification, e. g., 
C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 33 2 ) 3 + 3 NaOH= 3 NaC 18 H 33 2 +C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 . 

Sodium oleate (Hard soap.) Glycerin. 

Fixed oils are obtained by expression from the fruits or seeds 
of plants, or from animal tissues. When pure they are usually 
[colorless or pale] yellow ; they float on water and cause a greasy 
mark on paper. They are called fixed because they cannot be 
distilled without decomposition. They are soluble in ether, 
chloroform, turpentine and volatile oils. 

[Those in U. S. P. are Oleum Amygdalae Expressum, Lini, Morrhuae, 
Olivae, Ricini, and Tiglii.] 

Fats are fixed oils which are solid at ordinary temperatures; 
if extracted by expression, sufficient heat to melt them must be 
used. 

[Examples in U. S. P. : Oleum Theobromatis, Adeps. 

The same definitions will apply to fixed oils and fats of animal origin.] 

Volatile or Essential Oils only resemble fixed oils in 
being soluble in the same media They do not leave a greasy 
mark on paper. They are mostly inflammable, and mostly lighter 
than water. They are highly aromatic, and sufficiently soluble 
in water to impart their odor and taste to it. They are prepared 
by distillation — that is, by passing a current of steam through the 
substance from which they are extracted, the steam is condensed, 
and the oil either floats to the top or sinks to the bottom of the 
water. Their composition varies [greatly, and they are of four 
classes : 



14 PHARMACY. 






(a) Terpenes, which consist of carbon and hydrogen; e. g., Oil of 
turpentine. 

(b) Oxygenated, containing oxygen; e.g., Oil of eucalyptus. 

(c) Sulphurated, containing sulphur; e. g., Volatile oil of mustard. 

{d) Nitrogenated, containing hydrocyanic acid; e. g. f Oil of bitter 
almond.] 

Elaeoptens [their names ending in ene] are liquid hydro- 
carbons isomeric with terpene (C 10 H 16 ). 

Stearoptens [their names usually ending in ol~\ are oxidized 
hydrocarbons, usually solid and crystalline. 

[Examples in U. S. P. ; Camphora, Menthol.] 

Resins [are of very indefinite composition]. They are among 
the products of oxidation of volatile oils, [being usually oxidized 
terpenes. They are solid, mostly uncrystallizable, fusible, not 
volatile, combustible, insoluble in water, mostly soluble in alka- 
lies and volatile oils, and also in one or more of the following : 
alcohol, ether, chloroform, and fixed oils.] Those which com- 
bine with alkalies form resin soaps. Hence the alkali in Tinctura 
Guaiaci Ammoniata, and Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata. [When 
occurring naturally, there are usually two or more resins mixed. 

The U. S. P. resins are Resina Copaibae, Jalapae, Podophylli, and Scam- 
monii, Pix Burgundica, and Mastiche.] 

Oleoresins are solutions of resins in volatile oils. 

[Those in the U. S. P. are Oleoresina Aspidii, Capsici, Cubebae, Lupulini, 
Piperis, and Zingiberis.] 

Balsam, [is a term used in several different ways. As to the 
U. S. P. articles, they are liquid or soft products containing resin, 
an odorous principle, and benzoic, or cinnamic acids, or both. 

Those in U. S. P. are Balsamum Peruvianum, and Tolutanum, Benzoi- 
num, and Styrax. 

Resins containing benzoic or cinnamic acid are sometimes 
called solid balsams.] 



PHARMACEUTICAL PROCESSES. 15 

Gums are exudations from plants [having an insipid taste, 
insoluble in ether and alcohol, in water either dissolving to form 
a mucilage or swelling to form an adhesive jelly.] They consist 
of one or more of [the following] : 

(a) Arabin or soluble gums, e. g., Acacia. 

(b) Bassorin or partially soluble gums, e. g. , Tragacantha. 
(b) Cerasin or insoluble gum. 

[Solutions of gum are precipitated by alcohol.] 
Gum-resins are exudations from plants consisting of a mix- 
ture of one or more gums and one or more resins. When they 
are rubbed with water the gum dissolves and the resin remains 
mechanically suspended in the solution, [forming an emulsion. 

The U. S. P. gum-resins are Ammoniacum, Asafoetida, Cambogia, 
Myrrha, and Scammonium.] 

PHARMACEUTICAL PROCESSES. 

Many of these, as filtration, precipitation, etc., need no ex- 
planation, but the following require a few words. 

Dialysis. — [The process of separating crystalloids from col- 
loids by bringing them in a mixed solution, into contact with 
one side of a membrane, such as a bladder, parchment or a parch- 
ment paper, which has water in contact with its other side, and 
resulting in the passage into. the water of the crystalloid to form 
the " diffusate," the remainder constituting the " dialysate." In 
this way dialysed iron is prepared by diffusing the excess of the 
crystalloid acid solution. 

Displacement. — Another name for Percolation.] 

Elutriation consists in diffusing an insoluble powder in 
water, letting the heavier part settle, then decanting the super- 
natant fluid. The heavier powder in this is allowed to settle, the 
fluid decanted, and so on until a fluid containing powder of the 
required fineness is obtained. 

Levigation consists in reducing a drug to powder by tritur- 
ating it with a little water and drying the resulting paste. 

Lixiviation consists in the extraction with water of the sol 



16 PHARMACY. 

uble matter of the ashes of anything which has been ignited, the 
solution being called a " lye." 

Maceration. — [The extraction of the soluble portions of a 
substance which is not wholly soluble in the menstruum, by pro- 
longed contact therewith. 

Percolation. — The extraction in a suitable vessel (the "per- 
colator ") of the soluble constituents of a powder by the descent 
through it of a solvent (the " menstruum "), the resulting solution 
being called the " percolate." Percolation enters into the man- 
ufacture of a great majority of the official preparations of organic 
drugs. 

Scaling. — Scale preparations are made by drying concentrated 
solutions of drugs on glass plates. The solid left behind forms a 
thin film on the plate, and this film is broken up. 

Standardizing. — Specifying an upper or lower limit, or both, 
of the active constituent which a drug or its preparation must con- 
tain in order to be official, and prescribing an appropriate process 
for its determination. Satisfactory processes for standardizing are 
extremely difficult to establish, and have been adopted for the 
following only : « 

Cinchona, not less than 5 per cent, of total alkaloids. 
Cinchona rubra, " 5 " " " 

Extractum nucis vomicae, 15 " " " 

Extractum nucis vomicae fluidum, 1.5 per cent, of total alkaloids. 
Tinctura nucis vomicae, 0.3 per cent, of total alkaloids. 
Opium, not less than 9 per cent, of crystallized morphine. 
Opii pulvis, not less than 13 nor more than 15 per cent, of crystallized 
morphine. 

Extractum opii, 18 per cent, of crystallized morphine. 

Tinctura opii, "1 

Tinctura opii deodorati, I 1.3 to 1.5 per cent, of crystallized morphine.] 

Vinum opii, 

WEIGHTS, MEASURES, AND SYMBOLS. 

Weights [(Apothecaries' or Troy weight). 

I grain symbol gr. 

480 grains = one OUNCE " ^ 

1 2 ounces = one pound " lb] 



WEIGHTS, MEASURES AND SYMBOLS. 17 

The scruple (20 grains, symbol 9) is rarely used, and the drachm (60 
grains, symbol 3 ) is commonly used. 

Measures of Capacity. 

1 minim symbol, TTL 

60 minims = one FLUID DRACHM " g 

8 fluid drachms = one FLUID OUNCE " ^ 

[16 fluid ounces = one pint .... " O] 

8 pints = one GALLON ... " C 

Usually g and ^ are written fl g and fl !| when they stand for fluid 

drachms and ounces. 

Relations of Measures to Weights. 
1 minim is the measure of [°'95 grains of water. 

I fluid drachm " " 56.96 " " 

1 fluid ounce " " 455.69 " " 

I pint " " 7291.04] " " 

A 1 per cent, solution is approximately a grain in 100 minims. 
A fluid grain is the volume of one grain of water at 6o° F.; [15. 5 C] ; that 
is to say, it is a little over a minim [(1.05 Tft)-] 

In the pharmacopoeial description of the various proportions which several 

parts of a compound bear to one another, the word parts means parts by weight ; 

the term fluid parts signifies th^, volume of an equal number of parts of water. 

Metrical System — This, which is as follows, is official on the Continent : 

WEIGHTS. 

I milligramme = o.ooi gramme. 

I centigramme = o.oi " 

I decigramme =0.1 " 

I gramme = weight of 1 cubic centimetre of distilled water at 4 C. ; 

39. 2 F. Abbreviation, gm. 
I decagramme = 10. o grammes. 
I hectogramme = 1 00.0 " 
I kilogramme = 1 000.0 " Abbreviation, kilo. 

MEASURES. 

I millilitre = I cubic centimetre (abbreviation, c.c.) = the measure of I 

1 centilitre = 10 c.c. = the measure of 10 gm. of water, [gm. of water. 

1 decilitre = 100 c.c. = " " 100 " u 

I litre =1000 c.c. = " " 1000 " (1 kilo of water). 

Conversion of United States to Metrical System. 

WEIGHTS. 

I grain = 0*0648 gm. 
[i ounce = 31.103 gm. 
1 pound = 373- 2 5°] " 



18 PHARMACY. 

MEASURES. 

I minim == [0.0616 c.c. 

1 fluid drachm = 3.70 " 

I fluid ounce = 29.57 " 

1 pint = 473.1 1 " 

1 gallon =3785-5i] " 
/ 

Conversion of Metrical to United States Weights and Measures. 

WEIGHTS. 

I milligramme = 0.015432 grain. 

I gramme = 15.4324 grains. 

I kilogramme = 15343.24 " 

MEASURES. 

I cubic centimetre = [16.23 minims. 
I litre (1000 c.c.) = 33.81] fluid ounces. 
In prescribing on the Continent all liquids are weighed. 
The weight used for liquids and solids is grammes, and this word is not 
expressed. Thus— 

Magnesii sulphas 20.0 = 20 grammes of magnesium sulphate. 

Hydrargyri chloridum mite 0.5 = half a gramme of mild mercurous chloride. 
Tinctura rhei 1. 5 = a gramme and a half of tincture of rhubarb. 

Domestic Measures. 

A TEA-SPOONFUL is about a fluid drachm, [4 c.c.]. Usually it is a little 
more, viz., nearly 5 c.c. 

A DESSERT-SPOONFUL is about two fluid drachms, [8 c c.]. 

A table-spoonful is about half a fluid ounce, [15 c.c.]. Usually it is 
almost 20 c.c. 

A wine-glassful is about one and a half to two fluid ounces, [45 to 
60 c.c.]. 

A tea-cupful is about five fluid ounces, [150 c.c.]. 

A breakfast-cupful is about eight fluid ounces, [240 c.c.]. 

A tumblerful is about eleven fluid ounces, [330 c.c.]. 

A DROP is often taken as being a minim, but drops vary so much in 
size that they should never be used for children, nor as a measure of powerful 
drugs. For example, the number of drops in a fluid drachm of the United 
States Syrup of Acacia is 44, of Water 60, of Alcohol 146, of Chloroform 250. 

[Spoons, glasses and cups vary so much in capacity that it is never safe 
to prescribe solutions of powerful drugs to be measured by them. The use of 
glass graduates, which can be obtained accurately marked, should be insisted 
upon.] 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 19 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND THEIR DOSES. 

Most drugs are not, in their natural state, suitable for administration. They 
are either too bulky, too nauseous, or contain noxious principles. Preparations 
suitable for administration are, therefore, prepared from them according to 
" official " pharmacopoeial directions. The doses of the various drugs and their 
preparations which may safely be given to an adult [are taken from the " Tables 
for Doctors and Druggists," 2d ed., compiled by Eli H. Long, M.D. ;] but 
these doses are often not rigorously adhered to in prescribing. They vary with 
the purpose for which the drug is required and the age of the patient [see Doses, 
p. 38). The following is an account of the preparation of the pharmacopoeial 
preparations, and the attempt has been made to arrange the doses so as to 
make them easy of remembrance. 

[Unless otherwise specified, the preparations are for internal use.] 

Aceta [(Vinegars). — Liquid preparations resulting -from the 
extraction of the drug with diluted- acetic acid, and filtering. 
The U. S. P. contains two. 

Dose. 

Acetum Opii 3 — 20ITL; ' 2o — 1.20 c.c. 

Acetum Scilke 10 — 45ITL; «6o — 3.00 c.c] 

Aquae [(Waters). — Preparations made by impregnating water 
with a volatile substance. 

Mostly made by triturating the substance with precipitated 
calcium phosphate and filtering. Those in the U. S. P. thus 
made are — 

Dose. 

Aqua Foeniculi *| T/ , n t o 

}X— lfl vf; 8.— 30. c.c. 



— Anisi . 

— Cinnamomi *4 — J A^ > I 5- — 30. c.c. 

— Camphorse 

— Menthse Piperita [• )4 — 2 fl^ ; 15.— 60. c.c. 

— Menthse Viridis , 



} 

Three are made by distillation : 

Dose. 
Aqua Aurantii Florum Fortior .... indeterminate. 

— Destillata indeterminate. 

— Rosse Fortior indeterminate. 

Six are simple solutions in cold water : 



20 PHARMACY. 



Dose . 

Aqua Hydrogenii Dioxidi . . . . I — 3 gn; 4. — 12. c.c. 

— Creosoti 

— Chloroformi 

— Amygdalae Amaras 2 — 4 fig , 8. — 15. c.c. 

— Rosas indefinite. 

— Aurantii Florum *' 



}i— 4 ng; 4-— 15 c.c. 



Three are made by passing gases through water : 

Dose. 
Aqua Ammonias Fortior . .... 3 — 6TTL J .2° — .40. c.c. 

— Ammonias 10 — 2oTT[; .60 — 1. 20. c.c. 

— Chlori 1 — 4 fig; 4. — 15. c.c. 

Cerata (Cerates). — Adhesive preparations for external use, 
containing wax, capable of being spread at ordinary tempera- 
tures, and not melting at the temperature of the body. Six are 
official in U. S. P. 

Ceratum I Ceratum Cantharidis I Ceratum Resinas 

— Camphoras I — Cetacei I — Plumbi Subacetatis 

Charta (Papers). — Non-absorbent papers coated with plaster- 
like preparations and used like plasters. The U. S. P. contains 

two : 

Charta Sinapis, made from mustard. 

— Potassii Nitratis, made from potassium nitrate. 

Collodia (Collodions). — Preparations for external use made 
by impregnating collodion, a solution of pyroxylin in ether and 
alcohol, with an active substance.] When applied externally a 
protective film is formed owing to the rapid volatilization of the 
solvent. [The U. S. P. contains four : 

Collodium. I Collodium Cantharidatum. 

— Flexile. . — Stypticum. 

Confectiones (Confections). — Synonym. — Electuaries. In 
England also called Boluses. Permanent pasty preparations of 
powdered drugs thoroughly triturated with syrup or honey. The 
U. S. P. contains two : 

Confectio Rosas, used as a basis for pills. 

— Sennas . . . dose, 1 — 25; 4. — 8.gm. 

y Decocta (Decoctions). — Liquid preparations of organic 
drugs, 5 grammes of drug to 100 c.c. of decoction unless other- 



I I — 4 fl^; 30. — 120. c.c. 



PHARMACOPOEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 21 

wise specified by the physician or Pharmacopoeia, made by ex- 
hausting the drug by boiling in water, straining the resulting 
liquid, and adding sufficient cold water to secure the required 
ratio. The U. S. P. contains two : 

Dose. 
Decoctum Cetrarise .... 

— Sarsaparillae Compositum 

Elixira (Elixirs). — Sweet and aromatic liquid preparations, 
containing 20 to 25 per cent, of alcohol. There are two in the 
U. S. P. : 

Elixir Aromaticum dose, indeterminate. 

Elixir Phosphori dose, J^ — 2^ fl^; 2. — 10. c.c. 

Emplastra (Plasters). — Tenacious preparations for external 
application, solid at ordinary temperatures, but pliable and ad- 
hesive at the temperature of the body. Those of the U. S. P. 
are : 

■c, , x -m 1 . ") Lead oxide, olive oil and water. Lead oleate and 
Emplastrum Plumbi V ' 

J glycerin are formed. 

— Ammoniaci cum 

Hydrargyro 

— Ferri 

— Hydrargyri 

— Opii 

— Saponis 

— Resinse Lead plaster and wax as the basis. 

— Arnicae "I Resin plaster, which is made from Lead plaster, as 

— Capsici ' / the basis. 

— Belladonnse Resin and soap plaster as the basis. 

— Picis Burgundicse Wax the basis. 

— Ichthyocollse Court plaster. 

— Picis Cantharidatum Warming plaster 

Emulsa (Emulsions). — Liquid preparations consisting of 
oily or resinous substances held suspended in water which has 
been rendered mucilaginous or viscid. Mucilago Acacise and 
Tragacanthae are frequently used to form emulsions. Mucilago 
Acacise should be recently prepared. It is incompatible with 
ferric chloride, borax, and lead subacetate. 

Emulsions are coagulated by acids, an undue proportion of 
metallic salts, and spirituous liquids. There are in U. S. P. : 



- Lead plaster as the basis. 



22 



PHARMACY. 



-15. C.C. 
-30. C.C. 



Dose. 
Emulsum Chloroformi '. 1 — 4 fl 3 ; 4.- 

— Ammoniaci „ . . . . 1 T/ n - 

-Asafatidse } X~' *& *S- 

— Amygdalae as vehicle. 

Extracta (Extracts). — Solid or soft-solid preparations not 
agreeing in strength, made by evaporating solutions of the active 
constituents of organic drugs to the required consistency. 

The drug is first powdered, then macerated and percolated with the appro- 
priate menstruum to exhaustion. The first third of the percolate is reserved, 
the remainder is evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 122° F.; 50 C; 
until its weight is ten per cent, of that of the drug used, then mixed with the 
reserved portion, and both are evaporated at or below the above-named tempera- 
ture until an extract of a pilular consistence remains. For converting extracts 
into powdered extracts it is sometimes necessary to add an inert dry substance. 
The menstrua used are : 

(a) Alcoho 1 ; Extractum Aconiti, Cannabis Indicae, Cimicifugae, Colo- 
cynthidis Compositum, Iridis, Jalapae, and Physostigmatis. 

(b) Alcohol and water; Extractum Belladonnae Foliarum Alcoholicum, 
Digitalis, Euonymi, Leptandrae, Podophylli, Rhei, and Uvae Ursi. 

(<:) Alcohol, water and diluted alcohol; Extractum Cinchonas, and 
Hyoscyami. 

(d) Diluted alcohol; Extractum Arnicae Radicis, Cinchonse, Colocyn- 
thidis, Juglandis, and Stramonii Seminis. 

(<?) Water ; Extractum Aloes, Gentianae, Glycyrrhizae, Haematoxyli, Kra- 
meriae, Opii, and Quassias. 

if) Water and Aqua Ammoniae ; Extractum Glycyrrhizae Purum. 

(g) Acetic Acid and water; Extractum Colchici Radicis. 

(k) Acetic Acid and diluted alcohol ; Extractum Conii. 

(z) Acetic Acid, alcohol, and water; Extractum Nucis Vomicae. 

(£) Inspissated Juice ; Extractum Taraxaci. 

(/) Evaporated Fluid Extract ; Extractum Ergotae. 

They are in the U. S. P. 



Dose. 



}H- 



l / 2 gr 

g 1 ' 



Extractum Aconiti -^ — % gr 

— Physostigmatis 

— Belladonnas Foliarum Alcoholicum 

— Nucis Vomicae 

— Opii 

— Cannabis Indicae 

— Stramonii Seminis 

— Digitalis 

— Conii ; . . . . 



X-^gr 
X— Igr 
X— Igr 



.006 — .015 gm 
.006 — .03 gm 
.008 — .03 gm 

.008 — .06 gm 

.01 — .045 gm 

• OI 5— -°3 g m 

.015 — .06 gm 

.02 — .06 gm 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 



23 



}*- 



Dose. 

2 gr.; 

3 gr-; 



.03— .12 gm. 



■03- 



,20 gm. 



I — 3 gr. ; .06 — .20 gm. 



■ 5gr- 
- 8gr. 
■10 gr. 

•15 gr- 
10 gr. 



.06— 



.12- 



.30 gm. 
.50 gm. 
.60 gm. 



5—15 gr- 



,20 — 1. 00 gm. 
,30— .60 gm. 

.30 — 1.00 gm. 



Extractum Colocynthidis 

— Colchici Radicis 

— Hyoscyami 

— Quassiae 

— Aloes 

— Leptandrae 

— Iridis 

— Euonymi 

— Cimicifugae , 

— Jalapae 

— Gentianae 

— Podophylli 

— Rhei 

— Arnicae Radicis 

— Krameriae 

— Colocynthidis Compositum . 

— Haematoxyli 

— Ergotae 

— Uvae Ursi 

— Cinchonae 

— Taraxaci 

— Juglandis . « 

— Glycyrrhizae 

Purum 

Extracta Fluida (Fluid Extracts). — Liquid preparations of 
organic drugs, made by completely exhausting the drug by suit- 
able menstrua, and concentrating the resulting filtered solution, 
so that there shall be 1 c.c. of the latter for each gramme of drug 
extracted . They are made by percolation and partial evaporation , 
the menstruum employed being usually alcohol, diluted alcohol, 
or alcohol and water in various proportions. They are in the 
U. S. P. : 

FLUID EXTRACTS. 

Dose. 



5—3° g r - ; .30—2.00 gm. 



\ Freely. 



Extractum Aconiti Fluidum . . . 


#-2tll; 


.03 — .12 C.C. 


— Digitalis Fluidum 


/ 2 -3Vfl; 


.03 — .20 c.c. 


— Belladonnas Radicis Fluidum . 

— Stramonii Seminis ' ' . 


} i-3tTl; 


.06 — .20 c.c. 


— Nucis Vomicae " 


1- 4m; 


.06 — .25 c.c. 


— Ipecacuanhae Fluidum (expect.) 


1-5TH; 


.06 — .30 c.c. 


" " (emetic,) 


■ i5-3om ; 


1.00 — 2. 00 c.c. 


— Sanguinariae Fluidum (expect.) 


. 1- sttl; 


.06 — .30 c.c. 


" " (emetic,) 


• . I5-60T11; 


1. 00 — 4.00 c.c. 



24 



PHARMACY. 



FLUID EXTRACTS. 



Dose- 



Extractum Veratri Viridis Fluidum 

— Scillae 

— Colchici Seminis " 

— Conii 

— Cannabis Indicae " 

— Capsici " 

— Colchici Radicis " 

— Lobeliae " 

— Apocyni " 

— Gelsemii " 

— Zingiberis " 

— Mezerei " 

— Sabinae " 

— Hyoscyami 

— Arnicae Radicis *' 

— Podophylli " 

— Gentianae " 

— Kramerise " 

— Aspidospermatis " 

— Convallariae " 

— Menispermi " 

— Phytolacca Radicis " 

— Calumbse l i 

— Lupulini ". 

— Pilocarpi " 

— Hydrastis 

— Senegae 

— Aromaticum " 

— Valerianae " 

— Iridis " 

— Serpentariae " 

— Xanthoxyli ' ' 

— Cinchonae " 

— Buchu "" 

— Eriodictyi a 

— Cypripedii " 

— Calami " 

— Eupatorii 

— Gossypii Radicis " 

— Grindeliae " 

— Guaranae 

— Quassiae 

— Rhamni Purshianae " 



\ l — oTTl; .°6— .30 cc. 

} 2 — 5H1 ; .12— .30 cc. 

J 2— 8TTL; -i2— .50 cc. 

2 — ioTTL; - 12 — .60 cc. 

2 — 2otTt ; .12 — 1.20CC. 

5— ioTft; -3°— .60 cc 

5— i5tll; .30— 1.00 cc. 

5— 20ITL; .30— 1.20 cc. 



- 5— 3°1TL; .30— 2.00 cc 

J 

} 5 — 6 °TTL ; .30—4.00 c.c. 

IO — 20ITL; «^° — 1-20 C.C. 

I 10 — 30ITL; .60 — 2.00 C.C. 

J 

. 10— 6oTft; .60— 4.00 c.c. 

I 15 — 3olTL; 1. 00 — 2.00 cc 



}■ 15 — 6o1Tt; 1.00 — 4.00 cc. 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 



25 



FLUID EXTRACTS. 



Dose. 



Extractum Scoparii Fluidum 
— Rhei 

— Rhois Glabrae ' ' 
— Rosae 
— Rumicis 

— Stillingiae " 

— Uvae Ursi " 
— Viburni Prunifolii " 

— Leptandrae ' ' 

— Geranii ' ' 

— Ergotae " 

— Pareirae ' ' 

— Pruni Virginianae " 

— Sarsaparillag " 

— " Compositum " 
— Chiratae " 
— Cimicifugse " 
— Cubebae " 
— Lappas " 
— Spigeliae " 
— Rubi " 
— Aurantii Amari " 
— Hamamelidis " 
— Castaneae 

— Asclepiadis 

— Chimaphilse " 

— Eucalypti " 

— Frangulae " 

— Matico " 

— Scutellariae " 

— Viburni Opuli 

— Dulcamarse " 

— Sennaa " 
— Taxaxaci " 
— Cocae " 
— Cusso " 
— Tritici " 
— Glycyrrhizae ' ' 



% — i fig ; i.oo — 4.00 c.c 



-2 fig ; 1.00 — 8.00 c.c. 



L ]/ 2 — 2 fl g ; 2.00 — 8.00 c.c. 



1 — 2 fl g ; 4.00 — 8.00 c.c. 
I — 3 fig ; 4.00 — 12.00 c.c. 

1 — 4 ^3 ; 4-°° — iS-oo c.c. 



1—8 fl g ; 
Freely.] 



4.00 — 30.00 c.c. 



Glycerita (Glycerites). — Solutions of drugs in glycerin. 
They are all liquid preparations used for external application. 
[In the U. S. P. are six : 



26 PHARMACY. 



Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici. 
— Acidi Tannici. 
— Amyli. 



Glyceritum Boroglycerini. 
— Hydrastis. 
— Vitelli. 



Infusa (Infusions). — Liquid preparations of organic drugs, 
5 grammes of drug to ioo c.c. of infusion, unless otherwise 
specified by the physician or Pharmacopoeia, made by exhausting 
the drug for a specified time in a covered vessel, by water poured 
upon it at a boiling temperature (excepting Infusum Cinchonae 
and Pruni Virginianae which are made with cold water), straining 
and adding sufficient water to secure the required ratio. 

The infusions of the U. S. P. are : 

Infusum Digitalis I — 4^-3', 4. — 15. c.c. 

— Cinchonae 1 

-r, . AT . • • > I — 2 n 5 ; 30. — 60. c.c. 

— Pruni Virginians J ° ' J 

— Sennae Compositum I — 2^ fig; 30. — 75. c.c. 

One is compound : Infusum Sennae Compositum. 

One contains acid: Infusum Cinchonae.] 

Infusions should be freshly made, as they readily decompose. 

Linimenta [(Liniments). — Solutions or mixtures for external 
application, liquid, at least upon application. All of which are 
intended to be rubbed into the skin except Linimentum Calcis. 
Those in the U. S. P. are : 

Linimentum Ammoniaa . . . Ammonia water and cotton seed oil. 

— Calcis Solution of lime and linseed oil. 

— Camphorge Camphor and cotton seed oil. 

— Plumbi Subacetatis .... Solution of lead subacetate and cotton seed oil. 

— Belladonnae Fluid extract of drug and camphor. 

— Cantharidis Cantharides and oil of turpentine. 

— Chloroformi ........ Chloroform and soap liniment. 

— Saponis Soap, camphor, oil of rosemary, and alcohol. 

. ,, „. f Soft soap, oil of lavender flowers, alcohol, 

— Saponis Mollis ■< , r ' 

l and water. 

«..,-. . f Oil of mustard, fluid extract of mezereum, 

— Smapis Compositum . . . < . ' 

I camphor, castor oil, and alcohol. 

— Terebinthince Resin cerate and oil of turpentine. 

Liquores (Liquors). — Solutions of chemical substances in a 
menstruum consisting chiefly or wholly of water. The following 
are the liquors of the U. S. P. : 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 



27 



Liquor Iodi Compositus 

— Sodii Arsenatis . . 

— Arseni et Hydrargyri Iod: 

— Potassii Arsenitis .... 

— Ferri Acetatis 

Chloridi 

Nitratis 

Subsulphatis . . . . 

— Acidi Arsenosi 

— Ferri Citratis 

— Sodse .... i ... . 

— Potassse 

— Sodae Chlorate 

— Ferri et Amrrionii Acetatis 

— Calcis 

— Potassii Citratis 

— AmmoniiAcetatis .... 

— Magnesii Citratis .... 



idi . i 



Dose. 

■xoTTL ; .06— .60 c.c. 
iotTt; .12 — .60 c.c. 



s-i°m 

5-I51U 

5-3°m 

1-4 fl 3; 

1-8 fl 5 ; 

2-8 fl^; 

2 — 8fl^ ; 60. — 2.40 c.c. 



.30 — .60 c.c. 
.30— 1.00 c.c. 
.30 — 1.20 c.c. 
.30 — 2.00 c.c. 

2. — 4.00 c.c. 

4. — 15.00 c.c. 

4. — 30.00 c.c. 
8. — 30.00 c.c. 



The following are used only externally : 



Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis. 

— Hydrargyri Nitratis. 

— Plumbi Subacetatis. 



Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus. 

— Sodii Silicatis. 

— Zinci Chloridi. 



Massae (Masses). — Pill-masses intended for preservation in 
bulk until required for use. Three are official in the U. S. P.: 

Dose. 
Massa Hydrargyri % — 15 gr. ; .03 — i.oogm. 

— Ferri Carbonatis I — 5 gr. ; .06 — .30 gm. 

— Copaibse X~ 1 Z > I -°° — 4°° § m - 

Mellita (Honeys). — Mixtures of medicinal substances with 
clarified honey. The U. S. P. contains only two, one of these 
being simply honey purified. 



Mel Despumatum 



Mel Rosee. 



Misturse (Mixtures). — Liquid preparations of insoluble, 
suspended, active substances, or solutions containing more than 



28 PHARMACY. 

one liquid of therapeutical activity. The mixture is usually 
flavored, and is for internal administration. Examples in U. S. P. : 

Dose. 
Mistura Rhei et Sodse X — 2fl 5> I - — 8. c.c. 

— Glycyrrhizae Composita .... I — 4 flg ; 4. — 15. c.c. 

— Ferri Composita 1 

Mucilagines (Mucilages). — Adhesive liquids or jelly-like 
preparations, consisting of gum or starch dissolved in or fully 
charged with water. The U. S. P. contains four : 

Mucilago Acacias. Mucilago Tragacanthae. 

— Sassafras Medullae. — Ulmi.] 
There is no fixed dose; it is usually fi^j ; 4. c.c. 

Oleata. — Oleates are solutions in oleic acid, intended for 
external application. [The U. S. P. contains three : 

Oleatum Hydrargyri (20 per cent, of yellow mercuric oxide). 
Oleatum Veratrinae (2 per cent, of veratrine). 
Oleatum Zinci (5 per cent, of zinc oxide)]. 

Olea. — There are many oils in the Pharmacopoeia. They 
are all obtained by distillation or by expression except Oleum 
Phosphoratum, which is a solution of phosphorus in almond oil. 
[The U. S. P. olea are : 

Dose. 
Oleum Sinapis Volatile }& —j4V(l> -°o8 — .015 c.c. 

— Amygdalae Amarae yi — /^TT[; «oi — .03 c.c. 

~T iglii ' ;, Ix-^m; .015- .« ac. 

— Aurantn r lorum ) 

— Myristicae I — 3TTL ; -°6 — .20 c.c. 

— Cajuputi 

— Cari 

— Anisi 

— ■ Caryophylli 

— Cinnamomi 

— Lavandulae Florum 

— Mentliae Pipeiitos 

Viridis 

— Pimentae 

— Rosmarini - 



1— 51TL; .06— .30 c.c. 



i— 51U; -° 6 — -30C.C. 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 

Dose. 
Oleum Betulae Volatile . „ . . . . 

— Sassafras 

— Thymi 

— Sabinae 

— Phosphoratum 

— Foeniculi 

— Gaultheriae 

— Hedeomae 

— Coriandri 

— Chenopodii 

— Santali 

— Juniper! 

— Copaibae 

— Erigerontis 

— Cubebae 

— Eucalypti 

— Terebinfhinae 

Rectificatum 

— Morrhuae 

— Amygdalae Expressum . . .. 

— Ricini 

— Lini 

— Sesami 

— Olivae 

— Gossypii Seminis . ... . . 

— Picis Liquidae 

— Cadini 

— Theobromatis 

— Adipis , , . . . 

— iEthereum 

— Myrciae as perfume 

— Aurantii Corticis 

— Bergamottae 

. L as flavoring agent. 

— Limonis 

— Rosae 



29 



2- 5m; 


.12 .30 C.C. 


2-iotTl; 


.12 — .60 C.C. 


5-15TH; 


.30 I. OO C.C. 


5-2om; 


.30 — 1.20 C.C. 


5-3°m; 


.30 — 2.00 C.C. 



I i-4fl3j; 4.00 — 15.00 c.c. 



X-2flg ; 

indefinite, 
freely. 

1 

j^ externally. 

J 

I in pharmacy. 



8.00 — 60.00 c.c. 
5.00 — 60.00 c.c. 



Pilulse (Pills). — Solid bodies, usually spherical or oval, con- 
taining medicinal agents, and intended to be swallowed whole. 
A mass of the consistence of firm clay is made by beating medica- 
ments together in a mortar. This mass is, with a machine, divided 
up and rolled into pills. In order that they may not possess a 



30 PHARMACY. 

disagreeable taste, they are varnished, gilded, or sugar-coated. 
Unless the constituents are very heavy, each pill should not 
exceed 5 grains [.30 gm.] in weight. Soap, bread crumb, and 
confection of rose are common excipients for pills. Glycerin is 
often added, for it attracts moisture and prevents the pill from 
getting hard. Pills [except when sugar or gelatin-coated] are 
often kept in some powder, as lycopodium, to prevent their 
sticking together. [The pills in the U. S. P. are : 

Dose. 
Pilulse Phosphori . r T ^ gr.; .00065 gm. in each. ^ 
— Opii \ I gr.; .065 gm. in each. j P 1 ' 



nori . r T ^ gr. 
. . j I gr.; . 



— Asafcetidse ... 1 3 gr.; .20 gm. in each. ") ... 

— Ferri Iodidi )~ 2 F 

— Catharticae Composite ....."] 



— Antimonii Compositse '. -,i 

— Aloes et Mastiches j 

— Rhei Composite J 

— Aloes . . . ") .„ 

V 1 — 4 pills. 
—Aloes et Fern J 

—Rhei 

— Catharticoe Vegetabiles .... 

— Ferri Carbonatis 

— Aloes et Asafcetidae 

— Aloes et Myrrhae 2— 10 pills. 



- I — 5 pills. 



Pulveres (Powders). — Preparations consisting of finely pow- 
dered drugs, or (compound powders), mixtures of the same, and 
frequently consisting in part of a suitable diluent or excipient.] 
The best diluent for powders is sugar of milk, because of its hard- 
ness and insolubility. [The powders of the^ U. S. P. are : 

Dose. 
Pulvis Antimonialis ...... y^ — 2 gr.; .03 — ■ .12 gm. 

— Ipecacuanhae et Opii .... . 3— 15 gr.; .20 — i.oogm. 

— Morphinee Compositus .... 5 — 15 gr.; .30—1.00 gm. 

— Cretse Compositus 5~6ogr.; .30— 4.00 gm. 

— Aromaticus 10 — 30 gr.; .60 — 2.00 gm. 

— Jalapae Compositus % — 13; 1.00 — 4.00 gm. 

— Rhei Compositus yi — I % ; 2.00 — 4.00 gm. 

— Glycyrrhizae Compositus . . . y z — 23; 2.00 — 8.00 gm. 
For Pulvis Effervescens Compositus (Seidlitz Powder) see Sodium. Pulvis 
Ipecacuanhae et Opii is practically a trituration. 



PHARMACOPCEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 



31 



Spiritus (Spirits) — Solutions of volatile substances in alco- 
hol or dilated alcohol. The spirits of the U. S. P. are : 



By solution : 

Spiritus Glonoini .... 

— yEtheris Compositus . 

— Phosphori 

— Cinnamomi 

— Amygdalae Amarae . . 

— Athens 

— Camphorae 

— Chloroformi 

— Juniperi ...... 

— Lavandulae 

— Myristicae , 

— Ammoniae Aromaticus 

— Anisi 

— Gaultberiae 

— Juniperi Compositus . , 

— Aurantii 

Compositus . . . 

— Myrciae 

By solution with maceration : 

Spiritus Limonis . . . . 

— Menthae Piperitae . . . 

Viridis 

By gaseous solution > 

Spiritus Ammoniae . . . . 
By chemical reaction : 

Spiritus ^Etheris Nitrosi . 
By distillation : 

Spiritus Frumenti . . . . 

— Vini Gallici 



Dose. 

i- 5tU; 

8-401TL ; 



.06 — .30 c.c. 

.30 — 4.00 c.c. 

.50 — 2.50 c.c. 
10 — 30TIX; 1. 00 — 2.00 c.c. 
15 — 45TTL; 1 .00— 3.00 c.c. 
15 — 6o11|, ; 1. 00 — 4.00 c.c. 



30 — 60DI ; 2.00 — 4.00 c.c. 



J 



%■ 



-2 fig ; 2.00 — 8.00 c.c. 

\ I — 2 fig; 4.00 — 8.00 c.c. 

1 — 4 fl 3; 4.oo — 15.00 cc. 
V as vehicle, 
as perfume. 

as flavoring agent. 

I 5 — I5TTL; .30— i.ooc.c. 

10 — 6otlX ; .60 — 4.00 c.c. 

% — 2 flg ; 2.00 — 8.00 c.c. 

indefinite, 
indefinite. 



Suppositoriae (Suppositories). — Preparations in suitable 
form] for introduction into [and retention in] the rectum or 
vagina [and so mixed with a base (generally Oleum Theobromatis) 
that they shall be solid under ordinary conditions, but shall melt 
or liquefy after introduction. One only is official in U. S. P. : 

Suppositoria Glycerini ; base, stearic acid. 

Syrupi (Syrups). — Liquid preparations of drugs consisting 



32 



PHARMACY. 



chiefly of a concentrated aqueous solution of sugar. There are 
30 official in U. S. P. 

Examples: Syrupus Aurantii, Syrupus Rhei.] 

The dose of all is about 1 fig; 4 c.c.,or rather more [excepting Syrupus 
Ferri Bromidi, Ferri Iodidi, and Scillae Compositus, when it is 5 to 30 1T[ ; 
.30 — 2.00 c.c. 

Tincturae (Tinctures).— Solutions in alcohol or diluted 
alcohol of the soluble constituents of substances which are not 
volatile. (The U. S. P. includes also, as an exception, the alco- 
holic solution of iodine.)] They are prepared by — 

(a) Maceration; e.g. [Tinctura Opii Camphorata.] 

(3) Percolation; e.g. [Tinctura Lavandulae Composita.] 

{c) Maceration and Percolation; e.g. [Tinctura Opii.] 

{d) Simple mixing of ingredients; e. g. [Tinctura Ipecacuanhas et Opii.] 

Tinctures containing only one active substance are simple. The rest are 
compound; e. g. y Tinctura Catechu Composita. 

Some are compound, although it is not expressed in their name ; [<?. g., 
Tinctura Aloes. 

The tinctures of the U. S. P. are : 



Tinctura Aconiti . . . 

— Iodi 

— Cantharidis*. . . . 

— Veratri Viridis . . 

— Strophanthi .... 

— Ipecacuanha? et Opii 

— Opii 

Deodorati . . . 

— Arnicae Radici . . 

— Nucis Vomicae . . 



^-5 1H; 

I-I5 1U; 
2-10 Hi; 

3-15 m; 

3-201U; 



— Opii Camphorata . . 

— Belladonnae Foliarum 

— Scillae 

— Stramonii Seminis . . 

— Cannabis Indicae . . 

— Digitalis 

— Lobeliae 

— Ferri Chloridi .... 

— Capsici ...... 



f child 
1 adult 



-10 HI; 
-20 Vfl; 
-20 ITI; 



Dose. 

.03— .30 C.C. 
.06 — .30 C.C. 
.06 — 1. 00 C.C. 

.12 .60 C.C. 

.20 I. OO C.C. 

.20 — 1.20 C.C. 

.30 — .60 C.C. 
.30 — 1.20 C.C. 
.20 — 1.20 C.C. 



t — 4 n 3; 4-00—15.00 c.c. 



5— 30 111; .30— 2-ooc.c 



} 5— 6 ° 1TL; -3°— 4.oo c.c. 



PH ARM ACOPOEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 33 

Dose. 

. . . \ 10 — 30TIX ; .60 — 2.00 C.C. 



Tinctura Physostigmatis . 

— Colchici Seminis , . 

— Arnicae Florum . . . 

— Gelsemii 

— Moschi 

— Zingiberis 

— Aloes 

— Myrrhae 

— Guaiaci 

Ammoniata . . . 

— Lavandulae Composita 

— Asafcetidae 

— Benzoini 

Composita . . . . 

— Kino 

— Lactucarii 

— Chiratae 

— Cimicifugse 

— Cinchonas 

— Valerianae ... 
Ammoniata . . . 

— Quassiae 

— Quillajae 

— Hydrastis 

— Serpentariae . . . . 

— Krameriae 

— Catechu Composita . 

— Cubebae 

— Sanguinariae .... 

— Tolutana 

— Croci 

— Humuli 

— Cinnamomi .".... 

— Aurantii Dulcis . . . 

— Gallae 

— Aurantii Amari . . . 

— Cardamomi . . . 

— Rhei Aromatica . . . 

— Cinchonae Composita . 

— Rhei 

— Calendulas . . . „ . 



[5 — 6oYTL; 1. 00 — 4.00 c.c. 



\ 30 — 6oTT[; 2 -°° — 4.00 c.c. 

J 
> % — 2 fig; 1.00 — 8.00 c.c. 

1 



y 2 — 2 fl 5 ; 2.00 — 8.00 c.c. 



V 2 — 3 fig ; 2.00 — 12. 00 c.c. 

I — 2 fig; 4.00 — 8.00 c.c. 

I — 3 fig; 4.00 — 1 2.00 c.c. 
I — 4 fig; 4.00 — 1 5.00 c.c. 



I — 4 fig; 4.00 — 15.00 c.c. 



2 — 4 fig; 8.00 — 15.00 c.c. 



34 PHARMACY. 

Dose. 
Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae I — 2^ fig; 4.00 — 10.00 c.c. 

— Calumbse 

— Hyoscyami 

— Sumbul 

— Gentianae Composita 

— Bryoniae 

— Cardamomi Composita 

— Rhei Dulcis ^ — 1 fl!|; 8.00 — 30.00 c.c. 

— Matico ]/ z — 1 fl^; 15.00 — 30.00 c.c. 

— Vanillae Flavoring. 

— Pyrethri Externally. 

Triturationes (Triturations). — Solid preparations made by- 
triturating a medicinal substance with a definite percentage of 
sugar of milk (Saccharum Lactis). The U. S. P. contains one : 

Dose. 
Trituratio Elaterini ^ to I gr.; .03 -.06 gm. 

Trochisci (Troches). — Solid preparations, usually in flat- 
tened form, consisting of one or more medicinal substances 
mixed with sugar or extract of liquorice and held in form by the 
addition of mucilage. Fifteen are official in U. S. P. 

Examples : Trochisci Catechu, Trochisci Sodii Bicarbonatis.] The dose 
of each is from I to 6 troches in the course of the day. 

Unguenta (Ointments). — [Unctuous preparations, either 
soft or solid at ordinary temperatures, but liquid upon being 
rubbed upon the skin. They are generally spread over the skin, 
or may be rubbed into it. They are only intended for external 
use.] The basis is either lard, olive oil, expressed oil of almond, 
lard oil, wax, suet, spermaceti, or paraffin. Benzoinated lard is 
often used to prevent decomposition. [Twenty-seven are official 
in U. S. P.] 

Examples : Unguentum Hydrargyri, Unguentum Iodi. 

Vina. — Wines are weak tinctures, [the drug being extracted 
with white wine, containing twenty to twenty-five percent, by- 
weight of absolute alcohol.] 



PHARMACOPOEIAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSES. 35 

Dose. 

Vinum [Opii 3 — 20^ ; .20 — 1.20 c.c. 

— Colchici Radicis 5 — 15ITL; -3° — 1. 00 c.c. 

— Antimonii 5 — 6oTTL; -3° — 4.00 c.c. 

— Ipecacuanhas I — 6oTTL; .06 — 4.00 c.c. 

— Colchici Seminis 10 — 3otTl. ; .60 — 2.00 c.c. 

— Ferri Citratis I — 2 fl 3 ; 4.00 — 8.00 c.c. 

— Ergotae -) 

tt • a \ 1 — 4 "3; 4-oo — 15.00 c.c. 

— Fern Amarum J . ° ^ ° 

— Album as menstruum. 

— Rubrum " 

— Aromaticum as lotion.] 

With Vinum Antimonii and Vinum Ipecacuanhae the dose depends upon 
the purpose for which the drug is used. 

The following preparations [not occurring in the U. S. P.] are used: 

Abstracta. — [(Abstracts) solid, dry, powdered extracts of double the 
strength of the crude drug. They are prepared by spontaneous evaporation of 
an alcoholic tincture at a low temperature, mixing with it enough Sugar of 
Milk to make the product weigh one-half of the original weight of the drug, 
and then reducing it to a fine powder.] 

Bougies. — Solid cylinders impregnated with various drugs, and used for 
introduction into the urethra or nose. They are made either of gelatin (to 
be dipped in warm water before use) or cacao butter (to be dipped in oil 
before use). 

Cachets, made of wafer paper, consist of two watch glass-shaped halves, 
enclosing the drug, which adhere when moistened. The cachet is swallowed, 
and thus nauseous drugs can be administered. 

Capsules, [usually made of gelatin, are also used for enclosing medicines 
so that they shall not be tasted, and they are now made for containing both 
solid and liquid substances. They are either soft and elastic or hard. The 
"empty capsule " is of the hard form and is made in two parts, the body to 
be filled when required for use, and the cap to fit tightly over it when filled]. 

Cataplasmata [(Poultices). — Soft, pasty masses used as a medium for 
the external and local application of a moist heat, with or without the addition 
of active medicaments. Any bland substance which will retain its heat and 
moisture for a long time is applicable for this purpose, a little oil or glycerin 
being often added to prevent caking. The substances chiefly used are flax- 
seed, elm bark, bread and milk, bran, and oatmeal.] 

To make a poultice properly, the bowl in which it is mixed, the water, the 
spatula for mixing and spreading, the flannel or cheese-cloth on which it is 
laid, must all be as hot as is possible. The meal should be added gradually 
to the boiling water, which is continually stirred. It should not be spread so 
thick as to make it inconveniently heavy. 

Cigarettes. — The drug replaces the tobacco of an ordinary cigarette. 



36 PHARMACY. 

Clysters. — [Another name for Enemata.] 

Collunaria. — Fluids used as nasal douches. [This term is rarely used 
in the United States.] 

Collyria. — Fluids used as eye washes. 

Cremora. — [Obsolete in the United States.] Creams are preparations 
having glycerin, vaseline, or some substance as a basis, and used for external 
application. 

[Enemata (Enemas). — Liquids intended for injection into the rectum and 
designed to act medicinally, to evacuate the bowel mechanically, or to serve as 
nutrients.] When their object is to empty the bowel, they are large in bulk; 
when it is wished that they should be retained, they are small in bulk, and 
after injection a towel may be pressed against the anus. 

[Essentiae (Essences). — Preparations of B. P. corresponding to Spirits, 
U. S. P., but of 20 per cent, strength.] 

Fomenta. — Fomentations consist of flannels wrung out in hot water, to 
which drugs may or may not have been added. 

Gargarismata (Gargles) are fluid preparations for gargling. 

Guttae. — [Medicines directed to be taken by " drops."] 

Haustus (Draught). — A medicine directed to be taken at a single 
"draught." 

Injectiones (Injections). — [These are of two kinds, Rectal {see Enemata), 
and Hypodermatic. The latter are highly concentrated solutions intended for 
use by means of a hypodermatic needle. [See p. 37.)] 

[Inhalations. — A common name for Vapors.] 

Insuffiationes. — Powdered medicines or medicated powders designed 
for blowing into the nares, larynx or throat. 

Lamellae (B. P.). — Small, thin discs made with gelatin and glycerin, and 
used to drop into the eye. They each weigh ^th of a grain [.0013 gm. 

Lanolinum is an ointment having hydrous wool fat as a basis.] 

Linctus. — [(Never used in the United States.) A sweet mixture of a 
thick, syrupy consistence.] It is to be swallowed slowly, being retained some 
time in the mouth. 

Lotiones (Lotions). — Liquid, usually aqueous preparations for external 
use, commonly applied upon lint [or muslin]. 

Mollinum. — An ointment having for its basis mollin, a superfatted soap. 

Nebulae [Sprays]. — Solutions sprayed into the throat by means of an 
atomizer. 

[Oxymellita. — Mellita containing acetic acid.] 

Paste. — A name often applied to an ointment. 

Pastillus (Pastils). — [A name often applied to troches, and in England 
limited to]' those having glyco-gelatin as a basis. 

Perles are small pills. 

Pessus. — Pessaries are solid preparations made like suppositories for 
introduction into the vagina. [This term is rarely used in the United States.] 



MODES OF ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS. 37 

Succi [(Juices). — Expressed vegetable juices preserved by the addition of 
a definite proportion of alcohol.] 

Tabellae. — [A name often applied to troches, and in England restricted 
to those having chocolate as a basis, and of definite weight.] 

Vapores. — [Liquid preparations intended for administration by inhalation 
in form of vapor.] 

Vaselinum. — This term [in England] is applied to an ointment of which 
the base is vaseline. 

PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Before describing the actions and uses of drugs we must con- 
sider the manner, quantity and form in which to give them. 

MODES OF ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS. 

[a) Into the blood-vessels by injection. This method is rarely used 
in man, excepting for transfusion of physiological saline solution (a teaspoon- 
ful of common salt to the pint of water at the temperature of the body) in 
cases of great loss of blood. 

(5) Into the subcutaneous tissues by hypodermatic injection. The 
skin of the patient, where it is lax, should be raised between the thumb and 
forefinger of the operator's left hand; the skin of the external surface of the 
forearm is often selected. In his right hand he takes a perfectly clean syringe 
containing the quantity of fluid to be injected, and fitted with an aseptic, hollow, 
silver needle, which is thrust under the raised piece of skin, but not into the 
muscles, for about an inch, care being taken to avoid wounding a vein. The 
syringe is slowly emptied, then withdrawn, and the thumb pressed lightly upon 
the seat of injection for a few seconds. The advantage of this method is that 
the drug is surely and quickly absorbed. The fluid used must not contain solid 
particles, nor be irritating, or abscesses will result; it must be aseptic, and 
therefore, if it is not freshly prepared, it may contain a little carbolic acid — or ; 
better still, boric acid, for this is non-poisonous and non-irritating. The bulk 
injected should, if possible, be about five minims; [.30 c.c.]. For injections 
that are not in constant use it is advisable to keep the drugs in the form of 
[soluble tablets or] lamellae, and to dissolve one in a few minims of water as 
required. 

(c) Into serous cavities by injection. This method is rarely used in 
man except when the object is to antiseptically wash out a serous cavity, as the 
pleura which has been opened, or to produce adhesive inflammation, as in the 
injection of irritants into the tunica vaginalis. 

(d) Into mucous cavities. — Drugs are most frequently given by the 
mouth, to be absorbed from the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines, 
but the rate of absorption is much slower than from the subcutaneous tissue, 



38 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

and will depend upon whether the drug is readily soluble in the gastro -intestinal 
secretions, and whether it is given on an empty stomach, in which case it will 
be quickly absorbed ; or on a full one, when it will be slowly absorbed. [When 
it is intended that the drug shall act only in the intestine, pills, made purposely 
insoluble in the gastric fluids, are administered.] Some drugs, given by the 
mouth and absorbed from the stomach, probably never reach the general circu- 
lation, as they are excreted in the bile by the liver. The drug must be in a 
pleasant, palatable form, and generally so combined as not to irritate. 

Drugs are sometimes given by the rectum — in a solid form as supposi- 
tories, in a liquid form as enemata or clysters ; but they are not dissolved nor 
absorbed here so quickly as in the stomach. 

For local effects they may be given by the urethra or vagina (injections, 
bougies, pessaries), or by the respiratory passages (vapors, cigarettes, 
sprays, or nebulae for inhalations ; insufflations for blowing into the throat 
and larynx; gargarismata, trochisci, for a local effect on the mouth and 
pharynx; nasal douches for the nose). For sprays an atomizer is required. 
Sometimes volatile drugs, as chloroform, ammonia, amyl nitrite, are inhaled 
for their general effect. 

(e) By the skin. — Some drugs may be absorbed from the skin if mixed 
with some fatty substance, [especially hydrous wool fat.] In this way mercury 
may be absorbed by being rubbed in ; but drugs are chiefly applied to the skin 
as ointments, plasters, etc., for their local effect. 

[Some drugs may be absorbed from the skin when they are volatilized. 
In this way mercury is introduced into the system by fumigation.] 

They are also applied to the eye and ear as drops and washes. 

DOSES. 

The study of doses is termed Posology. In determining the dose the 
following considerations have to be borne in mind : 

i. Age. — The adult dose is that for a person between twenty and sixty 
years old. [For women the dose should be somewhat smaller than for men. ] 

For children under twelve, add twelve to the age, and divide the age 
by the number thus obtained. Thus for a child aged eight the dose will be 

8 2 

= — of an adult dose. From twelve to sixteen years from -| to \ 






8+12 5 

the adult dose is required, and from seventeen to twenty years from | to f. 
There are exceptions to this rule for individual drugs; e.g., children take iron, 
cod liver oil, arsenic, and chloral hydrate very well, but they can take only 
very small doses of opium. 

Above sixty years of age the dose should slightly diminish as age 
increases. 

2. Weight. — In pharmacological experiments the dose should always be 
expressed as a proportion of the weight of the animal. In man the weight is 



MODES OF ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS. 39 

not often considered, for it depends so much upon bone and fat, which are not 
active tissues. 

3. Habit. — A man who is constantly under the action of a drug becomes 
very insusceptible to it. Thus an opium-eater requires enormous doses of 
opium to produce any effect. A person who habitually takes purgatives re- 
quires very strong ones to open the bowels. 

4. Idiosyncrasy. — The susceptibility to drugs varies very much. Some 
persons are salivated by minute doses of mercury, others bear it very well, and 
there is hardly a drug to which some people are not exceptionally indifferent 
or susceptible. 

5. Time of Administration. — Drugs all act to greatest advantage when 
given so that their effect will be produced at its natural time. Thus soporifics 
act best when given in the evening, slowly acting purgatives when given over- 
night, quickly acting ones when given before breakfast, ergot when given 
during labor. [Drugs which are readily decomposed by the contents of the 
stomach should be given when that viscus is empty, preferably a half hour 
before the meal time.] 

6. Mode of Administration. — We have seen that drugs are rapidly ab- 
sorbed from the subcutaneous tissues. Therefore a smaller dose is required for 
subcutaneous injection than when the same drug is given by the stomach, for 
absorption is slow from the upper gastro-intestinal tract. It is slower still from 
the rectum [therefore the dose must be larger]. Also certain drugs are ex- 
creted by the liver or destroyed in it when given by the stomach. Absorption 
takes place quickly from an empty, slowly from a full stomach. 

7. Mental Emotion. — Sometimes if the patient's mind is particularly 
fixed on the action of the drug, a small dose is powerful. For example, often 
if the patient is convinced he will sleep, a very small dose of morphine is all 
that may be required. 

8. Temperature. — As the action of the drug on the organism is often 
partly chemical, the temperature must, in cold-blooded animals and excised 
structures, as muscle, etc. , help to determine its action ; but the temperature of 
man varies within so few degrees that this is not an important factor in medicine. 

9. Preparation of Drug. — A smaller dose of a soluble preparation, as a 
tincture, will be required than of a solid preparation, as a pill, which will have 
to be slowly dissolved before absorption [although in the latter case much de- 
pends upon the process of manufacture]. 

10. Rate of Excretion. — It is obvious that, other things being equal, for 
prompt action a smaller dose will be required of a drug that is rapidly excreted 
than of one which is slowly excreted. [It is also true that, in order to main- 
tain a continuous effect from drugs which are rapidly excreted, the doses must 
be repeated at shorter intervals.] 

11. Cumulative Action. — Sometimes it is found that if a person has 
been taking a drug regularly, but without the production of any poisonous 



40 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

symptoms, these will suddenly develop. This is said to be due to the cumula- 
tive action of the drug. It may be caused by the following circumstances : 

(a) The drug may be absorbed more rapidly than it is excreted. This is 
the cause of the cumulative action of mercury and lead, both of which are 
excreted with difficulty by the kidney. 

(b) There may be a sudden arrest in the excretion of the drug. It is 
probable that digitalis and strychnine, when the quantity of them in the tissues 
reaches a certain amount, contract the renal vessels, and hence excretion is 
arrested. 

(c) It is possible that, owing to an alteration in the intestinal contents, a 
drug which was previously very slowly dissolved becomes quickly dissolved, 
and hence rapidly absorbed. 

12. Disease. — The physiological action of drugs, and consequently the 
dose, are profoundly modified by disease. For example, a patient with peri- 
tonitis will bear enormous doses of opium. Antipyretics, which do not affect 
normal temperature, powerfully depress a febrile temperature. 

[The tendency of modern therapeutics is towards smaller and more fre- 
quently repeated doses.] 

PRESCRIBING. 

The more complex prescriptions consist of — 

(i) The Basis, or principal active ingredient [curare). 

(2) The Adjuvans, or that which assists its action (cito). 

(3) The Corrigens, or that which corrects its operation (tuto). 

(4) The Constituens, vehicle, or excipient, which imparts an agreeable 
form [jucunde). 

Thus the object of every prescription is to cure quickly, safely and pleas- 
antly. For example [in Pilula Rhei Composita the rhubarb is the basis, the 
aloes and myrrh form the adjuvans, and the oil of peppermint is the corrigens 
to prevent the griping]. In Mistura Cretae the cinnamon water is the vehicle. 
Many drugs do not require anything to assist their action or correct their 
operation. [The scientific physician usually prefers to administer the remedies 
separately, in order to more accurately observe their effect, and as well to dis- 
continue, or change the dose of, any one which may be necessary.] 

Incompatibility of ingredients should be particularly 
avoided in prescriptions. There are three kinds of incompatibility: 

(a) Chemical Incompatibility ; e. g., glucosides should not be ordered 
with free acids, which decompose them ; nor alkalies, alkaline salts, iodides, or 
bromides with alkaloids, for they precipitate them. 

Examples of chemical incompatibility are the prescribing of (1) tannic 
acid or substances containing it with alkaloids or metallic salts, especially those 
of iron ; (2) vinegars or syrups containing acetic acid prescribed with carbon- 
ates lead to the evolution of carbon dioxide ; (3) strychnine sulphate is decom- 






PRESCRIBING. 



41 



posed by potassium bromide, and strychnine is precipitated; (4) chloral and 

alkalies form chloroform; (5) quinine sulphate and potassium acetate together 

cause a voluminous precipitate of quinine acetate; (6) lime water with 

mercury salts (this incompatibility is intentional in Lotio Nigra and Lotio 

Flava), precipitates mercuric oxides ; it decomposes carbonates and bicarbon- 

ates of alkalies; it precipitates solutions of quinine and morphine salts; (7) 

corrosive mercuric chloride is incompatible with most substances. 

The following table, drawn tip by Potter \_Materia Medica, Pharmacy and 

Therapeutics, 6th Ed., p. JI2~\ shows the most important instances 

of solutions which mutually precipitate each other. The letter P means 

"forms a precipitate with." 







a 

.2 

3^ 


S3 

O 





.2 

'u 


6 
.2 

G 


c 

e 

3 

•°- r 






O-^ 




i-l 13 


CJ . 


TO 


<-z 








8"* 


<+-C/3 


<+H K 


^ ui 


In rt 


Solutions of 








u 




<+- -j 


O V 






T3 C 


J3 G 


G > 


c^ 


TO 


01O 






O bfl 


to tuo 








.2 






ro~~^ 


^h"" 


3" 


3 


.2 


3 








& 















<i 




w 


CO 





Cfi 


Alkalies - . 


P 
P 


P 
P 


P 
P 


P 


P 


p 


Tannic acid 




Carbonic acid and Carbonates . . 


. . 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 












P 


P 






Phosphoric acid and Phosphates . 




P 


P 


P 


P 


P 




Boric acid and Borates 




P 


P 


P 
















P 














P 








Hydriodic acid and Iodides . . . 




P 




P 








Sulphides .... ...... 






P 


P 








Arsenical Preparations 




P 


P 








Albumin 




P 


P 












With the following drugs it is pari 


icularly difficult to 


avoid 


chemical 


incompatibility. 








Chlorine in solution. 


Potassium Acetate. 






Liquid preparations of Iron. 


Potassium Bromide 






Lead salts. 


Tannic Acid. 






Zinc salts. 


Gallic Acid. 






Silver salts. 


Acidum Hydrocyai 


licum 


Dilutum. 


Corrosive Mercuric Chloride 


Mineral Acids. 






(especially). 


Liquor Potassse. 






Iodine and the Iodides. 


Quinine Sulphate. 






Potassium Permanganate. 


1 


'inctui 


e of C 


iuaiac 


um. 







42 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Substances rich in oxygen, as chlorates, iodates, permanganates, 
picrates, nitrates and bichromates should not be mixed with readily oxidiza- 
ble substances, such as charcoal, sulphur, iodine, carbolic acid, glycerin, 
turpentine, and organic compounds generally, for explosive compounds are 
very liable to be formed. 

Poisonous compounds may be formed by the admixture of substances 
in solution ; e. g., potassium chlorate and the syrup of ferrous iodide liberate 
iodine, diluted hydrocyanic acid and calomel form mercuric cyanide, potassium 
chlorate and potassium iodide form, at the temperature of the body, a poisonous 
compound, probably potassium iodate. 

If, in a mixture, incompatibles are inevitable, they should both be diluted 
with the vehicle before they are added to each other. The careful prescriber 
will avoid combining any of the above incompatible substances. 

(b) Physical Incompatibility. — This occurs when the mixture of the sub- 
stances will not form a clear solution; e. g. } insoluble powders and oils will not 
mix with water, the addition of which, to all spirits and all resinous tinctures, 
and to [fluid] extract of male fern causes a precipitate; if an acid and quinine 
mixture is flavored with liquorice, the acid precipitates glycyrrhizin ; an alco- 
holic solution added to chloral hydrate causes all the chloral to rise to the top 
as an alcoholate. 

In such cases the aqueous solution may be thickened so that the precipi- 
tate is suspended in it to form an emulsion, but even then the mixture must 
be shaken before a dose is taken. Mucilage of acacia, freshly made, is the 
best emulsifying agent. The substances incompatible with it are mentioned 
on p. 21. It should be made perfectly fresh. The addition of a little almond 
oil improves its appearance. 

I pt. of most fixed oils requires of acacia ^ pt., water I pt. 
I pt. of balsam of Peru " 2 " Ij4 

I pt. of oil of turpentine " I ' ' I 

Tragacanth is often used to form an emulsion or a suspension, and some- 
times yolk of egg or milk are employed. Liquor Potassae much facilitates 
the admixture of fixed oils and water. Tincture of senega aids the emulsifica- 
tion of any oil, even in small quantities, Tl^x; -6o c.c, being sufficient for an 
ounce; 30. c.c, of a fixed oil. [Extractum quillajse, one grain ; .06 gm. , dis- 
solved in one ounce ; 30. c.c, of water, will make a tolerably permanent emul- 
sion with one ounce; 30. c.c. of fixed oil, or one drachm; 4. c.c, of oleo- 
resin.] Magnesium carbonate is employed to aid the diffusion of an oil in 
water through which air is to be inhaled. The suspension of oil of turpentine 
in mucilage of acacia is a very common non-official example of an emulsion. 

(c) Pharmacological Inco?npatibilily ; e. g., the combination of purgatives 
with astringents. Sometimes this is intentional, as in the occasional addition 
of atropine to a hypodermatic solution of morphine. After the description of 
each drug, those that are incompatible with it will be enumerated. 



THE PRESCRIPTION. 



THE PRESCRIPTION. 

The details of a prescription should be written in the follow- 
ing order : 

The first part is the Superscription, which is the sign R, an abbreviation 
for Recipe, " Take." 

The second part is the Inscription, consisting of the names of the drugs in 
the genitive case (the vehicle in the accusative if ad is used with it), and their 
doses in the accusative. 

The third part is the Subscription, that is to say, the directions to the 
dispenser. This in England and most other countries is written in Latin, but 
in France it is in the language of the country. 

The fourth part is the Signature, that is to say, the directions to the patient 

(from the Latin " Signetur,'" let it be labelled). This is written in English. 

The fifth part consists of the physician's name or initials at the bottom on 

the right, the patient's name at the bottom on the left, and under it the date ; 

thus: 

Superscription. — R . 

Inscription. — Tincturse Ferri Chloridi, fl ^iij; [12. c.c], [basis). 

Quininse Hydrochloratis, gr. xxx : [2. gm. ], {adjuvans). 
Magnesii Sulphatis, ^ij ; [60. gm.], {corrigens). 
Glycerini, fl^jij; [60. c.c], {corrigens). 
Infusum [Cinchonse], ad fl Jviij ; [240. c.c], [excipient). 
Subscription. — Fiat mistura. 

Signature. — Take one table-spoonful three times daily, two hours after 
meals. A. B. C. (physician's initials). 

William Smith, Esq. (patient's name). 
1 6th June, 1898 (date). 

Abbreviations. — Although abbreviations are objectionable, yet this pre- 
scription could be written thus : 

R. Tinct. Fer. Chlor., flgiij; [12. c.c] 
Quin. Hydrochlor., gr. xxx; [2. gm.] 
Mag. Sulphat., ^ij; [60. gm.] 
Glycer., fl^ij; [60. c c] 
Inf. [Cinch.] ad fl^viij ; [240. c.c] 
F. m. 
S. Take one table-spoonful thrice daily, two hours after meals. 

William Smith, Esq. A. B. C. 

1 6th June, 189S. 

S, ss. and fs. are abbreviations for semi, a half, and da for ana, of each. 



44 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

The medicine may be prescribed as a pill when it is required that the 
patient shall carry it about with him, when only a small dose is needed, when 
it is desirable that it shall act slowly, when it is required to act on the lower 
bowel, when it is insoluble or nauseous, or when it is difficult to prescribe in 
the liquid form. Kaolin is the best basis for substances decomposed by con- 
tact with organic matter, as potassium permanganate. 

Oils, and volatile, deliquescent or bulky substances should not be pre- 
scribed as pills, as they require much solid excipient ; nor should pills be used 
for substances required to act immediately. 

Abbreviations should be employed as little as possible. Serious mistakes 
have happened because the abbreviations have been ambiguous. The follow- 
ing are especially to be avoided : 

Acid. Hydroc. (may be Acidum Hydrochloricum or Acidum Hydrocy- 

anicum). 
Ext. Col. ( " " Extractum Colchici or Extractum Colocynthidis). 

Hyd. Chlor. (" a Calomel, Corrosive sublimate or Chloral hydrate). 
Hyd. ( " " Hydrargyrum, Hydras, Hydriodas, Hydrochloras 

or Hydrocyanicus). 
Sulph. ( " " Sulphur, Sulphide, Sulphate, or Sulphite). 

Sometimes the signature is written in Latin, and it is often abbreviated. 
A list of such abbreviations is given in the appendix. 

In Great Britain [and in the United States] it is always understood, unless 
otherwise stated, that the preparations are those of the Pharmacopoeia. 

Ad. — The prescriber should be careful in deciding whether or not to use 
this word before the vehicle. If it had been left out in the prescription just 
given, the bulk of the mixture would have been nearly io^ fluid ounces ; 
[315. c.c.], and the amount of the ingredients in each dose would have been 
less than was intended. 

Dispensing the Prescription. — The dispenser should bear the follow- 
ing rules in mind : (1) Read the prescription through first. (2) Next write 
the directions, so that they have time to dry. (3) Solution by heat should not 
be used if more of the salt is ordered than will dissolve in cold water. In 
such case it must be suspended. (4) With fluids, measure them in such an 
order that the measuring glass shall be finally rinsed out with the vehicle. (5) 
Use glass scale pans. (6) Clean and put away everything directly after use. 
(7) If in the slightest doubt ask the prescriber. (8) If finally the prescrip- 
tion contains any insoluble matter, label " Shake the bottle," (9) If the 
medicine is very poisonous, label it as such and use a distinctive bottle. (10) 
If for outward application only, [label it as such]. (11) In dispensing sub- 
stances chemically incompatible, if there is any likelihood that the new body 
formed is dangerous, communicate with the prescriber before dispensing {e.g., 
Potassium Iodide prescribed with Spiritus vEtheris Nitrosi forms free iodine; 



PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTICAL ACTIONS. 45 

alkaloids are precipitated by alkalies.) Should there be no such reason against 
dispensing the prescription (<?. g. , Liquor Potassae and Ferrum Dialysatum), 
keep the incompatibles as far apart as possible by diluting each with the 
vehicle before mixing. 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTICAL ACTIONS. 

When the action of a drug is spoken of, the physiological 
action is usually understood. 

The primary action is that due to the unaltered drug ; e. g. f the emetic 
action of zinc sulphate. 

The secondary action is that due to compounds formed from the drug 
whilst it is in the body ; e. g. y the antiseptic effect on the urine of Uva Ursi 
taken by the mouth is probably due to the fact that arbutin, the active principle 
of Uva Ursi, is in its passage through the kidney decomposed into a glucoside 
and hydroquinone, and the latter is a powerful antiseptic. 

The direct or local action of a drug is that produced on any organ with 
which it comes in contact; e. g., the cantharidin in cantharides, in being ex- 
creted through the kidney, causes inflammation of it. 

The indirect or remote action is a secondary effect, the result of the 
direct effect ; e. g. , curare paralyzes the respiratory muscles, consequently the 
blood becomes venous, and therefore convulsions take place. In this case the 
venosity of the blood and the convulsions are each of them indirect actions of 
curare. 

It is clear that among drugs acting on the same parts, the total effect will 
depend very much upon which part is first affected. For example, atropine 
and curare will paralyze motor nerves, but atropine first affects the termina- 
tions of the vagus, and only late in its action the motor nerves of the voluntary 
and respiratory muscles ; hence paralysis and asphyxia are late symptoms, and 
a rapid pulse is an early symptom. Curare, however, early affects the nerve- 
endings of the voluntary and respiratory muscles, and the heart towards the 
end ; therefore asphyxia and paralysis occur early, and a rapid pulse is a late 
symptom. 

Relation between Chemical Constitution and Physiological Action. 
— It is probable that ultimately this relationship will be found to be very close, 
for certain well-marked instances of it have already been discovered ; for ex- 
ample, if strychnine, brucine and thebaine are converted into methyl-strych- 
nine, methyl-brucine and methyl-thebaine, for the convulsive action of each of 
the first three substances there is substituted a paralyzing action. With regard 
to the chemical composition, sometimes the base and sometimes the acid 
appears to determine the action — for example, all salts of arsenic have the 
same affect ; but, on the other hand, potassium, sodium, ammonium [and 
strontium] bromides are similar to each other in their action. No relationship 



46 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

has yet been made out between the spectroscopic characters, the atomic 
weights, or the isomorphism of drugs. 

Drugs may be classified according to the parts on which they act, and 
before describing each individual drug, a classification on this principle will be 
given. 

Division I. — Drugs acting upon Organisms which infect the 

Human Body, or upon Processes going on outside it. 

Antiseptics are drugs which arrest putrefaction, either by 
preventing the growth of, or completely destroying the micro- 
organism on which decomposition depends. Some authors limit 
the use of the word to those drugs which [restrain the develop- 
ment] of micro-organisms, and call those substances which 
destroy the [vitality of] micro-organisms, [germicides or] dis- 
infectants. [The term disinfectant, by extension, is applied to 
those agents which kill non-pathogenic bacteria as well as to those 
which destroy disease germs.] 

Statements are most discordant as to whether certain substances 
are antiseptics, and as to the strength of their antiseptic power. 
This is because antiseptics act differently on different organisms ; 
and the distinction has not been drawn between preventing the 
growth of, and destroying micro-organisms. Also because the 
power of antiseptics depends upon the temperature at which 
they act, the medium in which they are dissolved, the strength of 
the solution, the time given them to act, and the number of 
micro-organisms present in the substances to which they are 
added. 

To properly test the value of an antiseptic the above condi- 
tions must be noted. All instruments and substances — except the 
fluid containing the micro-organisms to be tested — are heated so 
that any adventitious micro-organisms are destroyed. A cultivat- 
ing medium, such as agar-agar jelly, in which the micro-organisms 
will grow, is selected, and two test-tubes, each containing some 
of it, are taken ; to one of these the supposed antiseptic is added. 
Some fluid containing the micro-organisms is then added to both 
test-tubes ; both are plugged with sterilized cotton to prevent the 
entrance of germs from the air, and it is observed whether the 
micro-organisms will grow in the tube containing no antiseptic, 



DRUGS ACTING UPON ORGANISMS INFECTING THE BODY. 47 

but not in that containing the antiseptic. As the power of an 
antiseptic depends on so many circumstances, no exact order of 
their potency can be given, but roughly the more powerful are 
placed first in the following list; the last are very feeble. 

1. Heat. — This is the best antiseptic, but a temperature of at least 212° F. 
[ioo C] is required. After an infectious fever, clothing, bedding, etc., may 
be heated in a dry-air chamber to between 200 and 300 F. [93. 5 and 149 
C] ; or what is far better, as the interior of the rolls of fabrics often hardly 
gets heated at all, steam under pressure may be driven through them. 
Another useful way is to boil the infected things in water. Surgical instru- 
ments are disinfected in this way [but one per cent, of washing soda (sodium 
carbonate) should be added to the water to prevent their rusting]. 

2. Corrosive Mercuric Chloride. — A solution of 1 in 1000 is constantly 
used for washing hands, and for many other purposes connected with midwifery 
and surgical operations. [For most uses one part to 3 or 5000 of water or 
even weaker, is the limit of safety. Gauze of the strength of I to 2000 will 
blister, if the skin is damp. 

3. Formaldehyde has extraordinary power as a surface disinfectant, 
greater than that of any known substance. It is especially useful for the dis- 
infection of large rooms when volatilized from a specially constructed lamp.] 

4. Chlorine is, as a rule, too irritating. Chlorine gas, disengaged by the 
action of hydrochloric acid on manganese dioxide, may be used to disinfect a 
room, the windows, chimneys and doors of which are sealed. It must be 
remembered that it attacks and bleaches many substances. 

5. Chlorinated Lime [is the best antiseptic for all excreta (Sternberg)]. 

6. Bromide, and, 7, Iodine are rarely used, as they are too irritating. 
8. Carbolic acid is used [but infrequently. If surgical instruments have 

been previously sterilized, the use of carbolic acid indicates a distrust on the 
part of the surgeon of his assistants.] 

g. Quinine, and, 10, Salicylic acid are too expensive for ordinary use. 

11. Iodoform is commonly used to dust upon wounds, etc. 

12. Boric acid is used for many surgical purposes. 

13. Zinc chloride, and, 14, Potassium permanganate, are much used 
domestically. 

15. Oleum Eucalypti is used in surgery. 

16. Sulphurous acid, disengaged by the burning of sulphur, is used to 
disinfect rooms. 

17. Creosote, 18. Benzoin, 19. Zinc sulphate, 20. Ferric oxide, 
21. Thymol, 22. Alcohol, 23. Balsam of Tolu, 24. Balsam of Peru, 
are none of them much used. 

We do not know of any drugs which, when taken internally 



48 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

or inhaled, will certainly destroy micro-organisms, either in the 
gastro-intestinal tract or respiratory passages, unless they are suf- 
ficiently concentrated to be fatal to the patient. Some authori- 
ties, however, consider that naphtol, menthol, and some other 
substances will destroy many varieties of micro-organisms in the 
stomach and intestines. [However, bismuth naphtolate is a better 
intestinal disinfectant.] 

Deodorants, or deodorizers, are substances which destroy 
disagreeable smells. There are too many for enumeration. 
Many antiseptics are deodorizers. Charcoal is often called a 
disinfectant, but it is merely a deodorizer. It is powerless if it 
is wet. 

Antizymotics. — This is a word sometimes applied to drugs 
which arrest fermentation. 

Anthelmintics are drugs which kill such parasitic worms as 
infest the alimentary canal. Three kinds only are commonly 
met with : 

(i) Tape-worm ( Tcenia soliuni and T<znia mediocanellata). Anthelmin- 
tics: Aspidium (mostly used), Oleum Terebinthinse, Kamala, Cusso, 
[Granatum, and Pepo.]. 

(2) Round- worm {Ascaris lumbricoides). Anthelmintics: Santonin, 
[and Spigelia and Senna.] 

(3) Thread-worm (Oxj/uris vermicularis) . Anthelmintics: Rectal in- 
jections of salt water, infusion of quassia, solutions of iron salts, or di- 
luted oil of turpentine. It is doubtful whether these drugs (except turpen- 
tine) relieve the patient by killing the thread-worms which inhabit the rectum, 
or merely, by removal of mucus, render this part unfit for them. [It is probable 
that rectal injections are useless. Large soap and water enemata, the patient 
being in the knee chest position, give the best results. (Whittaker.)]. 

Anthelmintics for the tape or round-worm should be given 
when the alimentary tract is empty. Hence it is a good plan to 
give a dose of castor oil a few hours before the anthelmintic, so 
as to ensure that the drug comes in contact with the worm. To 
expel the dead parasite a purgative should be given a few hours 
after the anthelmintic. [Castor oil should not be used if aspidium 
has been administered.] Purgatives used for this purpose are 
called Vermifuges. Vermicide is a term sometimes applied 
to drugs which kill intestinal entozoa. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE BLOOD. 49 

Antiparasitics or parasiticides are substances which destroy 
parasites. The term is usually applied to those which destroy 
parasites infesting the skin. 

(i) For the various forms of tinea the following are used: — Mercurial 
preparations, especially the oleate, tincture of iodine, glycerite of carbolic 
acid, an ointment of pyrogallic acid, a boric acid lotion, a salicylic acid 
lotion, acidum sulphurosum, formal[dehyde] and thymol; and if the 
patches are small, severe irritants, as croton oil, cantharides, and chrysa- 
robin ointment. Tinea versicolor never requires severe irritants. 

(2) As a parasiticide for itch, sulphur ointment is generally used. Bal- 
sam of Peru and Styrax are also effectual. 

(3) Pediculi vestimentorum will be killed by any mild parasiticide. 
Unguentum Staphisagriae [unofficial ; I part powdered seed, 2 parts each, 
olive oil and lard], is often used. 

(4) Pediculi capitis and pediculi pubis are also easily killed by mild 
parasiticides; mercurials are commonly employed, so also is Unguentum 
Staphisagriae. 

Antiperiodics are drugs which arrest the return of diseases 
which recur periodically. 

They are cinchona bark, quinine and its salts (by far the most powerful), 
cinchonine, arsenous acid, eucalyptus, hydrastis, salicin, salicylic acid 
and berberine. They are used for all forms of intermittent fever and neuralgia. 

Division II. — Drugs acting on the Blood. 

A. Drugs acting on the Plasma. — Many substances 
must after absorption exist in solution in the plasma, and purga- 
tives, diuretics and diaphoretics must alter the composition of the 
plasma by abstracting substances from it ; but while drugs are 
given with the object of acting on the plasma it is in order to 
render it more alkaline : we know no drugs which will make it 
acid, or even markedly reduce the natural alkalinity of the 
plasma, as the mineral acids can only exist in it in the form of 
neutral salts. 

The alkalizers of the plasma are salts of — 



(1) Potassium. 

(2) Sodium. 

(3) Ammonium. 



(4) Lithrum, 

(5) Magnesium. 

(6) Calcium. 



This is approximately the order of their alkalizing power. Potassium is 
certainly the most powerful. Calcium is very feeble. 
4 



50 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

The citrates and tartrates of these metals are decomposed in 
the plasma into alkaline carbonates. An extremely valuable 
property of alkalizers is the power they have of uniting with uric 
acid in the plasma, and forming urates, which are much more 
soluble than free uric acid. The diuretic effect of the alkali 
aids the excretion of the urates. 

Therapeutics. — The chief use of alkalies is their adminis- 
tration in gout, in which disease the uric acid is greatly in 
excess in the plasma. As the treatment has to be continued for 
sometime, a preparation which does not [disturb] digestion, such 
as potassium citrate, is usually preferred, or lithium citrate for 
the lithium compound of uric acid is the most soluble. For the 
same purpose the numerous natural alkaline waters are frequently 
prescribed. 

In lead-poisoning the lead is locked up in the tissues in a 
very sparingly soluble form. Potassium iodide is given with the 
object of forming a lead iodide soluble in the plasma, and conse- 
quently capable of excretion by the kidneys. 

Alkalies have been largely used in rheumatic fever, on the 
assumption that there is a deleterious agent in the plasma, and 
that its solubility is increased by increasing the alkalinity of the 
plasma ; but this treatment has now been abandoned in favor of 
that by salicylates. For the same theoretical reason alkalies have 
been given in rheumatoid arthritis. 

Purgatives, diaphoretics and diuretics necessarily alter 
the composition of the plasma, and are largely used when there 
is much oedema of any part, or effusion into serous cavities, in 
the hope that as fast as these remedies drain off fluid from the 
plasma it will be replaced by that which is effused pathologically. 
Also they are given in conditions, as uraemia, in which it is 
thought that there are poisons in the blood, in order that their 
excretion may be hastened. 

The composition of the plasma can also be altered directly 
either by venesection or transfusion 

B. Drugs acting on the Red Corpuscles. — The most 
important are those which can increase the amount of haemo- 
globin when that is deficient. Strictly speaking, all these have 



(4) Copper salts. 

(5) Hydrochloric acid -* 

(6) Potassium salts L doubtful. 

(7) Phosphorus J 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE BLOOD. 51 

a pathological and not a physiological action, for we know of no 
drugs which will increase the amount of iron in perfectly healthy 
blood. These drugs are called haematinics. 

They are — 

( 1 ) Iron and its salts. 

(2) Arsenous acid. 

( 3 ) Potassium permanganate. 

They not only increase the quantity of haemoglobin in each 
corpuscle, but also the number of red corpuscles. Their action is 
much aided by good food, fresh air, and attention to the general 
health, and especially to the digestive organs. The mode of ac- 
tion of these haematinics is very obscure, and will be discussed 
under each drug. Iron is by far the most important and effectual. 

Indirect hsematinics are drugs which benefit the patient 
by removing some obvious cause for his deficiency in haemoglobin, 
or anaemia, as it is generally termed. Such are mercury, given 
for syphilis, quinine for ague, etc. 

Alcohol and quinine diminish the oxygenating power of the blood, for 
they render oxyhemoglobin a more stable compound than it usually is, but 
their action in this direction is slight. Citrates and tartrates of the alkaline 
metals are partially oxidized to carbonates at the expense of the oxygen of the 
red blood-corpuscles. 

The size of the red blood-corpuscles is said to be diminished by carbon 
[dioxide], quinine and morphine, and to be increased by oxygen, hydrocyanic 
acid, and quinine ; and their* number is said to be increased by small doses of 
mercury. 

A large amount of sodium chloride causes the red corpuscles to pass 
rapidly through the walls of the capillaries. 

Quinine and hydrocyanic acid diminish the ozonizing power of the blood. 

There are some drugs which are not employed therapeu- 
tically for their action on the blood, which are neverthe- 
less very important physiologically and toxicologically, for they 
kill by altering the composition of the haemoglobin 
thus preventing its uniting with oxygen. Such are carbon diox- 
ide, which turns out the oxygen from oxyhaemoglobin, hydro- 
cyanic acid, which forms cyanohaemoglobin, and potassium 
chlorate. Acetanilid, antipyrin, phenacetin, and nitrites, especi- 
ally am yl nitrite, convert the haemoglobin into methaemoglobin ; 



52 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

acetanilid, amyl nitrite, and potassium chlorate, like pyrogallic 
acid, destroy the red corpuscles. 

Phosphorus, arsenic, hydrogen sulphide, turpentine, iodine, and sulphur 
also reduce oxyhemoglobin. Phosphorus is especially destructive to the blood. 

When freshly drawn blood is exposed to the air its oxidization is dimin- 
ished by hydrocyanic acid, alcohol, chloroform, quinine, morphine, nicotine, 
strychnine, and brucine. 

C. Drugs acting on the White Corpuscles. — Most if 
not all drugs which are poisonous to amoebae are poisons to white 
corpuscles when applied in sufficient strength, which, however, is 
rarely the case in the human body. All irritants which set up 
inflammation cause the white blood-corpuscles to wander through 
the capillary walls; and all the cinchona alkaloids, viz., qui- 
nine, quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine, have the power 
of arresting this migration; of these, quinine is the most power- 
ful. Berberine sulphate and acetanilid are also powerful. 
If the quinine is circulating in the capillaries, it prevents the 
white corpuscles from wandering out ; if it is applied to the out- 
side of the vessels, it prevents the corpuscles from wandering away 
from the vessel through the wall of which they have passed. 

Veratrine applied to white corpuscles outside the body kills them. 

Myrrh and other aromatics are said to increase their production by increas- 
ing absorption from the intestine. 

The following facts do not fall under any of the previous headings: — Poi- 
sonous doses of mercury increase the fluidity of the blood, impair its power of 
coagulation, and diminish the solids in it. Cod-liver oil increases the solids of 
the blood. Potassium iodide is said to increase the power of coagulation ; 
other substances doing this will be described under astringents. 

Division III. — Drugs acting on the Cardiac Mechanism. 
The heart is capable of spontaneously originating impulses 
which in health begin in the sinus venosus, and spread downwards 
over the auricle and the ventricle to the apex. It used to be con- 
sidered that these movements were due to spontaneous impulses 
proceeding from the cardiac ganglia surrounding chiefly the en- 
trance of the superior and inferior venae cavae, the entrance 01 
the pulmonary veins, and the auriculo-ventricular groove; but 
we now know that there is no certain evidence that these ganglia 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE CARDIAC MECHANISM. 53 

originate impulses, and most of the evidence goes to show that 
the contraction of the muscular fibres is due to spontaneous im- 
pulses arising in them. This contractile power of the muscular 
fibres can be inhibited by the vagus, the fibres of which proceed 
from the vagal nucleus in the medulla, and can be augmented by 
the augmentor or accelerator nerve-fibres, which proceed down- 
wards in the cervical spinal cord to the upper dorsal nerves, from 
which they pass through the first thoracic ganglion to the sym- 
pathetic, and so to the cardiac plexus, and thence to the heart. 
We are ignorant of any function for the cardiac ganglia ; we 
know that medullated nerve-fibres lose their medulla in them, 
and that more fibres proceed from them than enter them. Possi- 
bly they have a nutritive function. We have, therefore, only to 
consider the action of drugs on the muscular substance of the 
heart, on the vagal or inhibitory fibres, on the vagal centre, on 
the augmentor, accelerator, or sympathetic fibres, and on the 
accelerator centre. The centres are remarkably easily affected 
by afferent impulses, proceeding from the heart itself or from 
almost any part of the body. Our information concerning the 
action of drugs on the heart of man is necessarily rather inexact, 
for many experiments are difficult to perform upon the mammalian 
heart, consequently the cold-blooded animals have been largely 
used ; and as some differences are observed among them — for 
example, between the frog and the tortoise^ — it is probable that 
the deductions drawn from experiments upon the hearts of warm- 
blooded animals are not wholly applicable to man. In the fol- 
lowing account of drugs the action described is that of a moderate 
dose ; the action of a large dose is generally the reverse of that 
of a moderate dose. 

A. Drugs acting upon the Heart directly. — Our 
knowledge of these has been gained by studying the action of 
drugs upon excised hearts or pieces of the heart, and the action 
of drugs locally applied to the heart, either by gently applying a 
solution externally, or by means of a [trans]fusion canula. It is 
difficult to decide whether a drug acts upon the muscular fibre 
itself, or upon the fine nerves between these fibres, so that no 
attempt will here be made to distinguish between these actions. 



54 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



As the apex of the heart contains fewer nerves than the rest of the 
organ, it has been concluded that if a drug acts upon the apex, 
when it is cut off from the remainder of the heart, it acts upon the 
muscle only ; but it would be difficult absolutely to deny the ex- 
istence of fine nerve-fibres in the apex. The vagus or inhibitory 
nervous mechanism has been much more studied than the accel- 
erating. The effect of stimulating the muscle may be either to 
increase the rate or the force of the beat, or to do both ; that of 
stimulating the minute branches of the vagus or its terminations 
in the heart will be either to diminish the rate or the force of the 
beat, or both ; and the effect of stimulating the accelerator fibres 
will be just the opposite ; and in each of these cases the effect of 
paralyzing will be the reverse of stimulating. The distinction 
between a stimulating effect on the terminations of the vagus and 
a depressing effect on the terminations of the accelerator nerves 
might be determined by observing the effect of stimulation of 
each of these nerves before and after the local application of the 
drug, provided that it has been shown that the muscle itself is not 
affected by the drug ; but this is often difficult to prove. It is 
easily seen that the complexity of the problem is so great that it 
will be most convenient to classify the drugs which act locally on 
the heart by the effect they produce, without attempting to say 
whether they act on the muscle or nerve terminations. 



Drugs increasing the force of the contraction 



(1) Digitalis. 

(2) Strophanthus. 

(3) [Sparteine.] 

(4) Squill. 

(5) Saponin. 



(6) Convallaria Majalis. 

(7) Caffeine. 

(8) Veratrine. 

(9) Erythrophlceum. 
(10) Barium Salts. 



In large doses these drugs in frogs always cause arrest of heart in systole; 
in mammals the final arrest may be in diastole with some, e. g. } digitalis. 
They all slow the pulse. 



(n) Dilute solutions of salts 
of the alkaline metals. 

(12) Dilute solutions of copper 
double salts. 



(13) Dilute solutions of zinc 

double salts. 

(14) Dilute solutions of chloral. 

(15) Physostigmine. 

(16) Camphor. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE CARDIAC MECHANISM. 



55 



These drugs have the same action without the final arrest in systole. The 
rate of the pulse is not markedly altered. 

Drugs the chief action of which is to decrease the force of the contraction, 
usually with stoppage in diastole : 



(i) Diluted acids. 

(2) Strong solutions of salts of 

the alkaline metals. 

(3) " of barium salts. 

(4) " of copper double salts. 

(5) " of zinc double salts. 

(6) Strong solutions of chloral. 



(7) Muscarine. 

(8) Pilocarpine. 

(9) Saponin (large doses). 

(10) Apomorphine. 

(11) Emetine. 

(12) Salicylic acid (large doses). 



Drugs an important action of which is to increase the rate of the cardiac 



beat : 



(1) Atropine. 

(2) Hyoscyamine. 

(3) Daturine. 



(4) Duboisine. 

(5) Cocaine. 

(6) Saponin. 



Drugs an important action of which is to slow the rate of the cardiac beat 
(see also first list given above) : 

(1) Muscarine. (2) Pilocarpine. 

Drugs which increase both the force and the nu7nber of the beats : 



(1) [Ammonium salts.] 

(2) Alcohol. 

(3) Ether. 

(4) Chloroform. 

(5) [Cactus.] 



(6) Anaesthetics. 

(7) Arsenical salts. 

(8) Quinine. 

(9) Strychnine. 



Drugs which decrease both the force and the number of the beats : 

(1) Antimony salts. 

(2) Aconite. 

(3) Hydrocyanic acid. 



(4) Ergot. 

(5) Veratrum Viride. 

(6) Cevadilla. 



B. Drugs acting on the Vagus Centre. — If we observe 
that the giving of a drug to an animal alters the beat of the heart, 
but that this alteration can be done away with, either by cutting 
the vagi or stimulating the peripheral end of the nerve, — if one 
only of them be cut, — we may conclude that the drug acted on 
the vagus centre in the medulla. 



56 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Drugs which sti?7iulate the vagus centre : that is to say, the pulse is 
slowed, bat this slowing disappears on section of the vagi : 



(i) Chloroform. 

(2) Chloral hydrate. 

(3) Butyl-chloral hydrate. 

(4) Aconite. 

(5) Veratrum Viride. 

(6) Nicotine. 

(7) Digitalis. 

(8) [Sparteine.] 

(9) Strophanthus. 



(10) Squill. 

(11) Convallaria Majalis. 

(12) Hydrocyanic acid. 

(13) Staphisagria (Delphinine.) 

(14) Atropine. ] Only very 

(15) Hyoscyamine. \ early in their 

(16) Daturine. j action. 

(17) Increased blood-pressure. 

(18) Venous blood 



Drugs which depress the vagus centre : Large doses of the drugs men- 
tioned in the last list, and drugs which diminish the blood-pressure, such as 
amyl nitrite [nitroglycerin, and the nitrites.] 

C. Drugs acting on the Accelerating Centre. — We do 

not know anything of drugs which depress this. Probably some 
stimulate it, for their administration renders the pulse still more 
rapid after the vagi have been cut. 

They are — 



(1) Ammonia. 

(2) Caffeine. 

(3) Picrotoxin. 

(4) [Cactus.] 



(5) Delphinine. 

(6) Any drugs which make the 

blood venous. 



Therapeutics. — The drugs most used for their action on the 
heart are digitalis, strophanthus, [ammonium salts, sparteine], 
squill, convallaria majalis, caffeine, alcohol, ether, chloroform, 
[cactus], strychnine, belladonna, aconite, antimony, and hydro- 
cyanic acid. The therapeutic indication for each of these drugs 
will be found given under the individual drug. 

Division IV. — Drugs acting on the Vessels. 

These are usually studied either by directly observing altera- 
tions in the size of the vessels in some thin structure, such as the 
ear of a rabbit, the mesentery, tongue, lung, web, or mylo-hyoid 
[muscle] of a frog, or the wing of a bat ; or the rate of the flow 
may be observed. This can be conveniently done by cutting 
some part, as the toe of a frog, and noticing the rate at which 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE VESSELS. 



57 



the blood flows from the cut vessels with and without the admin- 
istration of the drug to the animal. It is often necessary that an 
artificial circulation should be maintained ; for if not, it might 
be difficult to prove that the alteration in the quantity of blood 
flowing from the cut surface was not due to influences acting on 
the cardiac mechanism. In order to determine if the changes 
are due to local or central effects, it is necessary to destroy the 
spinal cord, or to cut the nerves going to the part. When a drug 
is applied locally, as to the mesentery, and the vessels alter, if the 
nerves going to the part are not cut, it is difficult to say whether 
this alteration is direct or reflex. 

Drugs are applied to the interior of vessels by injecting them 
into the circulation. 

We know that each vessel is controlled by vaso-constrictor and 
vaso-dilator nerves, and that these proceed by different paths 
from the central nervous system, but we do not know by which 
set of nerves drugs act ; probably some by the vaso-constrictor, 
and some by the vaso-dilator. We can only classify the drugs 
into those which dilate or contract the vessels by local action, 
and those which produce these effects through their action on the 
central nervous system. When a drug acts locally we cannot tell 
whether it acts on the muscle in the wall of the vessel, or on the 
nerve terminations. 

It of course follows that drugs acting on the heart, or on a 
large area, will considerably modify the blood-pressure. 



A. Drugs acting locally on Vessels. 

Drugs which, when locally applied to vessels , dilate them ; 



(i) Liquor Ammoniae. 

(2) Silver nitrate (strong). 

(3) Zinc chloride (strong). 

(4) Copper nitrate. 

(5) Copper sulphate (strong). 

(6) Mercuric nitrate. 

(7) Arsenous acid. 

(8) Antimony chloride. 

(9) Antimony and potassium 

tartrate. 



(10) Iodine. 

(11) Bromine. 

(12) Chlorine. 

(13) Mineral acids (strong). 

(14) Alcohol. -I If prevented 

(15) Ether. V from evaporat- 

( 16) ChlorofcJrtB. J ing. 

(17) Carbolic add. 

(18) Creosote. 






58 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



(19) All volatile oils, as oils of tur- 


f (26) 


pentine, and many substances 


(27) 


containing them, as mustard, 


(28) 


horse radish, etc. 


(29) 


(20) Senega. 




(21) Chrysarobinum. 




(22) Ipecacuanha. 




(23) Capsicum. 




(24) Mezereon. 




(25) Croton oil. 





Camphor. 

Cantharides. 

Phosphorus. 

Warmth, however applied, 
but usually as a poultice. 
[This is true if its evanes- 
cent effect is desired. When 
long applied it contracts 
blood vessels.] 






Irritants.— All of the above, as they dilate the vessels, are often spoken 
of as vascular irritants. 

Rubefacients are drugs which, when locally applied to the 
skin, cause it to become red because of the vascular dilatation 
induced. All the above drugs are rubefacients. 

Vesicants. — Many of these drugs are sufficiently powerful 
irritants to cause inflammation. If this goes no further than the 
exudation of plasma from the vessels, and this plasma collects 
under the epidermis to form vesicles, the drug causing the pro- 
duction of vesicles is said to be a vesicant; e. g., cantharides. 

Pustulants are such of the above drugs as are sufficiently 
powerful irritants to cause the inflammatory process to proceed to 
the passage of leucocytes through the walls of the capillaries. 
They collect in the vesicles, which consequently become pustules ; 
e. g. , croton' oil. 

Escharotics or caustics are the most powerful of all the 
above drugs. Their local application destroys the vitality of the 
part to which they are immediately applied, and sets up vascular 
dilatation of the surrounding area; e.g., strong nitric acid, zinc 
chloride, silver nitrate, and arsenous acid. 

Counter-irritants. — It has been shown by experiments on 
animals that when the vessels of the skin are dilated by the appli- 
cation of an irritant, those of the subjacent viscera are often, 
reflexly contracted. The same is probably true of man. An irri- 
tant is called a counter-irritant when it is applied to the skin with 
the object of altering the size of the vessels of the subjacent vis- 
cera. It is particularly to be remembered that the action is a 
reflex nervous one, and is in no way due to the withdrawal of 
blood into the dilated vessels of the skin. 



I 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE VESSELS. 



59 



Drugs which, when locally applied to vessels, contract them : 
These may act in two ways, either by contracting the muscular 
coat of the vessels, or by coagulating the albuminous fluids around 
them, the coagulum by its contraction constricting the vessels. 

Those which act on the muscular coat of the vessels : 



(i) Cold, however produced; hence 
rapidly volatilizing substances 
as ether. [This effect is but 
temporary. If cold is long 
continued it dilates blood ves- 
sels,] 

(2) [Cocaine.] 

(3) Lead salts. 



(4) Dilute solutions of silver salts. 

(5) Diluted sulphuric acid. 

(6) Alum. 

(7) Hamamelis. 

(8) [Ergot. 

(9) Hydrastis.] 
(to) Acetanilid. 
(11) Antipyrin. 



All the above, except the last two, are used in medicine to contract vessels. 
The following have been shown by experiments in the laboratory to cause 
contraction of small arteries through which they circulate : 

Copper, zinc, tin, platinum, and barium salts all cause powerful contraction. 

Lithium, calcium, strontium, magnesium, cadmium, nickel, cobalt, and 
iron salts cause slight contraction. 

Acetanilid and antipyrin act on the muscular coat of small vessels as 
powerfully as ergot. 

Those which coagulate the albuminous Jluids around the vessels: 



(1) Tannic acid and all sub- 

stances containing it : e. g., 
nutgall, krameria, kino, hsem- 
atoxylon, hamamelis, cinna- 
mon, eucalyptus gum, and 
catechu. 

(2) Lead salts. 

B. Drugs which act on the Vaso-motor Centres. 

Drugs which, by their action on the vaso-motor centres, dilate the vessels 



(3) Silver Salts. 

(4) Zinc salts. 

(5) Copper salts. 

(6) Alum. 

(7) Ferric salts. 

(8) Bismuth salts to a slight ex- 
tent. 



(1) Nitroglycerin. 

(2) Amyl nitrite. 

(3) Sodium nitrite. 

(4) Spiritus jEtheris Nitrosi. 

(5) Belladonna. 

(6) Stramonium. 

(7) Hyoscyamus. 

(8) Alcohol. 

(9) Ether. 

(10) Chloroform. 



(11) Chloral hydrate. 

(12) Antimony and Potassium 

Tartrate. 

(13) Aconite, 

(14) Ipecacuanha 

(15) Lobelia. 

(16) Tobacco. 

(17) Veratrine. 

(18) Hydrocyanic acid. 

(19) Opium (slightly). 



60 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Some of the substances, which in small doses contract the vessels by cen- 
tral action, in large doses dilate them; viz., digitalis and squill. 

Drugs which, by their action on vaso-motor centres, cause contraction of 
vessels : 



(6) Hamamelis. 

(7) Strychnine. 

(8) Lead salts (slightly). 

(9) Ammonia (slightly). 



(1) Ergot. 

(2) Digitalis. 

(3) Strophanthus. 

(4) [Sparteine.] 

(5) Squill. 

Also, for a very short early period of their action, some substances whose 
main action is to dilate the vessels by their central action; viz., belladonna, 
stramonium, hyoscyamus, alcohol, ether, chloroform, hydrocyanic acid and 
veratrine. 

Astringents are drugs which diminish the size of the vessels, 
and thus decrease the amount of exudation from them. 

Styptics, or Haemostatics, are drugs which stop bleeding. 
They comprehend all astringents, especially cold, lead and 
copper salts, hamamelis, ergot, [hydrastis], tannic acid, and, above 
all, ferric salts, for they coagulate the blood which is flowing 
from the vessel, and the clot prevents further bleeding. Matico 
leaves, because of the numerous hairs on their under surface, favor 
coagulation of blood when locally applied to a bleeding surface. 
Cobwebs act in the same way. 

Therapeutics. — Drugs which locally dilate vessels are [fre- 
quently] applied to stimulate sores to heal, and to promote absorp- 
tion of inflammatory products, as seen in the application of iodine 
over joints in certain forms of joint disease ; and as counter- 
irritants in many forms of disease of deep-seated organs, as in the 
application of a blister in pleurisy. Drugs which by their central 
action cause dilatation of all the vessels of the body are used in 
certain forms of heart disease, as in the use of amyl nitrite in 
angina pectoris ; and some suppose that the good they do is 
brought about by dilating the vessels, and so rendering the work 
of the heart easier. Amyl nitrite and nitroglycerin are much 
used for this purpose. Drugs causing general vascular dilatation 
are also employed to cause dilatation of the vessels of the skin 
with the object of thereby leading to an increase of perspiration 
and an increased radiation of heat. Alcohol, Spiritus .^Etheris 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE SKIN. 61 

Nitrosi, and ipecacuanha, amongst others, are used in this 
way. 

The most important use of astringents is as styptics; they are 
also used to check excessive discharges of all sorts, as in diarrhoea, 
leucorrhoea, etc., and in relaxed conditions of vessels, such as are 
often seen in pharyngitis. 

There is perhaps no better opportunity than this of mention- 
ing emollients and demulcents. 

Emollients are substances which soften and protect parts. 
The word is usually employed for substances applied to the skin. 

Common emollients are substances soaked in warm water, as hot fomenta- 
tions and poultices, fats of various sorts, as lard and lanolin (hydrous wool fat), 
non-irritating oils, as olive oil, spermaceti, petrol [at]um, vaseline, etc. 

Demulcents are substances which protect and soothe parts. 
They are generally applied to mucous membranes, especially 
when unduly dry, and thus they are often used for the mouth. 

Instances of them are gelatin, isinglass, glycerin, gum, honey, flaxseed, 
starch, and white of egg. 

Division V. — Drugs acting on the Skin. 

All those described in the last section act on the cutaneous 
vessels, but in addition we have — 

A. Diaphoretics, or drugs which increase the amount of 
perspiration. These may do so either by stimulating the sweat 
centres in the spinal cord, the nerves proceeding from the centres 
to the glands, the terminations of the nerves in the gland, or the 
glandular cells themselves ; or dilatation of the cutaneous vessels 
may, by the increase in the amount of blood and the greater 
warmth, stimulate the glands and lead to an increase of sweat. 
It is difficult to tell whether drugs acting on the vessels do not 
also act on the other parts of the mechanism ; and it is also diffi- 
cult to decide whether a drug acts on the gland-cells or the ter- 
mination of the nerves, so we will consider diaphoretics under 
two headings, those which act centrally and those which act peri- 
pherally. These are differentiated by observing whether the drug 



62 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

acts after the spinal cord is destroyed, [or] on a part of the skin 
after the nerves going to it are cut. 

[a) Diaphoretics acting peripherally : Pilocarpine greatly increases the 
amount of sweat, acting in all probability on the nerve terminations in the 
gland-cells, but certainly not on the vessels. Local applications of warmth, 
and alcohol taken internally perhaps act in the same way in addition to their 
vascular action. 

{b) Diaphoretics acting centrally : 

(i) Nicotine. (5) Ipecacuanha. 

(2) Antimony salts. (6) Opium. 

(3) Ammonium acetate. (7) Camphor. 

(4) Ammonium citrate. 

(c) Diaphoretics whose mode of action is doubtful : Senega, cubeb, col- 
chicum, salicin, lobelia, arnica, aconite, potassium citrate and acetate. All 
these, except the last two, are very feeble. 

When a diaphoretic acts very powerfully it is called a Sudorific. 

B. Anhidrotics, or Antihidrotics, drugs which diminish 
the amount of perspiration. The part on which these act' is 
determined in the same way as in the case of diaphoretics. 

[a) Anhidrotics acting peripherally : Atropine is very powerful ; it acts 
on the terminations of the nerves in the glands ; and hyoscyamus and 
stramonium probably act in the same way. The local application of cold 
has a similar action. 

(b) Anhidrotics the mode of action of which is doubtful : 



(1) Acids. 

(2) Muscarine. 

(3) Nux vomica. 

(4) Quinine. 



(5) Picrotoxin. 

(6) Zinc salts. 

(7) Salicylic acid. 



Therapeutics. — Diaphoretics are used for three purposes: 
either to increase the amount of sweat because that of the urine is 
failing, and for this purpose pilocarpine is largely used; or in the 
hope that poisons may be excreted by the sweat, hence the use 
of pilocarpine in uraemia; or as mild antipyretics, in order to 
increase the loss of heat by increased evaporation ; for this pur- 
pose alcohol, ipecacuanha, ammonium acetate, and opium were 
formerly much employed, but of late years much more efficient 
antipyretics have been discovered. 



SUBSTANCES ACTING ON THE URINARY SYSTEM. 63 

Anhidroses are used either for general conditions, as phthisis, 
or for local conditions, as sweating of the feet ; but they are not 
of great use in medicine. 

We do not know of any drugs which will alter the composi- 
tion of the sweat, except in so far as that certain drugs may be 
excreted in the sweat when taken internally; such are iodine, 
potassium iodide, succinic, tartaric, and benzoic acids, the last in 
the form of hippuric acid. 

We have no knowledge of the effects of drugs on the seba- 
ceous secretion. 

Certain drugs, when taken internally in large doses, pro- 
duce a rash on the skin, possibly because in the course of their 
excretion through the skin they irritate it. Such are — 



(i) Copaiba. 

(2) Cubeb. 

(3) Bromides. 

(4) Iodides. 

(5) Turpentine. 

(6) Belladonna. 

(7) Chloral hydrate. 

(8) Opium. 



(9) Quinine. 

(10) Salicylic acid. 

(11) Arsenical Salts. 

(12) Acetanilid. 

(13) Antipyrin. 

(14) Phenacetin. [the skin. 

(15) Silver salts may discolor 

(16) [Sulphonal.] 



[The following quite rarely produce an eruption : 



(1) Iron. 

(2) Strychnine. 

(3) Creosote. 

(4) Mercury. 

(5) Veratrum. 



(6) Digitalis. 

(7) Sulphur. 

(8) Antimony. 
(g) Santonin. 

(10) Cod Liver Oil.] 



Division VI, — Substances acting on the Urinary System. 
1. Drugs increasing the quantity ofuri?te secreted. — These are 
called diuretics. The kidney is a double organ with two dis- 
tinct varieties of epithelium ; it is particularly well supplied with 
vessels and vaso-motor nerves, and is also profoundly under the 
influence of variations in the blood-pressure ; hence it is, with 
our present state of knowledge, impossible to say how many 
diuretics act, but the following table [modified], from Brunton's 
work, shows the various ways in which they probably act, many 
in more ways than one : 



C4 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



Raise 
arterial 
pressure 



Generally 



Locally 
^ in kidney 



Contract effe- 
rent vessels 



Dilate affe- 
rent vessels 



Increased car- 
diac action 

General vascu- 
lar contraction 



Act on vaso- 
motor centres 



Locally on 

kidney. 



Either act on 
vaso - motor 
centres or lo- 
cally on re- 
nal vessels 



AcUon secreting 
nerves or renal cells 



Increase water excreted 



Increase water and solids ex- 
creted 



Digitalis, 

Alcohol, 

Strophanthus, 

[Sparteine, 

Erythrophlceum, ] 

Digitals, 

Squill, 
I Convallaria, 
I Strychnine, 
l Cold to skin. 

< ? same as above. 

Broom, 

Buchu, 

Uva ursi, 

Juniper, 

Turpentine, 

Copaiba, 

Cantharides. 



Nitrites, 
Alcohol. 



Urea, 

Caffeine, 

[Theobromine So- 

dio-salicylate, 
Calomel, 
Colchicum,] 
Liquor Potassae, 
j Potassium Acetate, 
Potassium Citrate, 
Potassium Nitrate, 
Sodium Citrate and 

other salines. 






L 

Therapeutics. — Diuretics are used in cardiac and pulmon- 
ary diseases when, owing to the general vascular disturbance, the 
quantity of urine falls below the normal standard. Also, in dis- 
eases in which there is excess of fluid in certain parts of the body; 
for .example, pleuritic effusion and ascites, with the object of get- 
ting rid of as much fluid as possible by the kidneys. Lastly, in 
certain forms of kidney disease, although in these maladies it is 
always a question how far it is desirable to stimulate diseased 
organs. It is of great importance to remember that diuretics 
may act in many different ways ; that there are many causes for 
diminution in the quantity of urine secreted, and that it is diffi.- 



SUBSTANCES ACTING ON THE URINARY SYSTEM. 65 

cult to say in any particular case what is the cause of the decrease 
in the quantity secreted. Therefore, it is usual to give diuretics 
in combination, in the hope that if one of. them does not have 
the desired result another will. 

2. Drugs diminishing the quantity of urine secreted. — These 
are such as produce acute inflammation of the kidney when given 
in large doses ; e. g., turpentine, cantharides, phosphorus. They 
are never given for this purpose in medicine. [Exalgin is reputed 
to diminish the quantity of urine.] 

3. Drugs rendering the urine acid. — There is only one drug 
that can do this effectually, and that is benzoic acid, for in its 
passage through the kidney it is converted into hippuric acid. 
Benzoic acid is, therefore, given when from any cause the urine 
undergoes alkaline decomposition anywhere within the urinary 
passages. Salicylic acid will, to a slight extent, increase the 
acidity of the urine, as will very large doses of citric acid, tartaric 
acid, the citrates and tartrates [borax, and possibly saccharin. 
The free use of carbonated water also increases the urinary acidity 
(Ultzmann).] 

4. Drugs which render the urine alkaline. — All salts of the 
metals, potassium, sodium, lithium, calcium, will do 
this ; even the tartrates, citrates, and acetates, for they escape by 
the kidney as carbonates. Nitric acid is said to increase the 
amount of ammonia in the urine, and thus to render it slightly 
alkaline. Ammonium salts given internally do not render the 
urine alkaline, because they are decomposed in the body, urea 
being probably formed ; [they may even increase the acidity from 
the larger amount of nitric acid excreted.] 

Lithontriptics are drugs which prevent the decomposition, 
in the urinary passages, of the solids of the urine. If this fluid 
be acid, uric acid often crystallizes out, forming gravel or uric 
acid calculus ; less often lime oxalate crystallizes, giving rise to 
lime oxalate calculus. When there is any likelihood of the for- 
mation of either of these calculi, alkalies should be given, espe- 
cially the lithium salts. If the urine is undergoing alkaline decom- 
position phosphates are liable to crystallize out. In this case the 
object will be to render the urine acid and aseptic. This will be 
5 



66 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

attained by giving benzoic acid or benzoates, salicylic acid or 
the salicylates, and the urinary antiseptics. 

Therapeutics. — The chief use of alkalies is to diminish the 
acidity of the urine, so as to render the precipitation of uric acid 
unlikely; or to render it alkaline, so as to attempt to dissolve a 
uric acid calculus. We know of no drug which will dissolve a 
lime oxalate calculus. Alkalies are also given to gouty subjects, 
partly to alkalize the blood, but also partly to alkalize the urine, 
for such persons are very prone to deposit uric acid in the urine. 
Potassium urate is much more soluble than sodium urate, and 
lithium urate is even more soluble ; citrates and acetates are not 
likely to upset the digestion, consequently the drugs most used 
are the potassium and lithium citrates. Copious draughts of 
water, by diluting the urine, aid in preventing the deposition of 
uric acid or lime oxalate calculi. Natural alkaline waters are 
largely used [especially those containing lithium.] 

5. Drugs preventing the urine from decomposing. — If the urine 
is retained in the bladder by stricture or from any other cause, it 
will undergo alkaline decomposition, and the same result may be 
brought about by the admixture of pus with the urine. This is 
generally due to inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney or the 
bladder. This decomposition of the urine may be prevented by 
giving drugs which in their excretion by the urine render it asep- 
tic. Such are — 



(1) Benzoic acid. 

(2) Salicylic acid. 

(3) Uva Ursi. 

(4) Copaiba. 



(5) Cubeb. 

(6) Oil of Sandal Wood. 

(7) [Saccharin.] 

(8) Many volatile oils. 



6. Drugs altering the composition of the urine. — Almost any 
drug will do this, either because it is excreted in the urine, or 
because it sets up some changes in the body, the products of 
which are excreted in the urine ; but here we shall only refer to 
certain striking ones. 

Turpentine, cantharides and salicylic acid in large doses will cause blood 
to appear in the urine, because they set up inflammation of the kidney. 

Potassium chlorate, amyl nitrite, acetanilid, pyrogallic acid, poisoning by 



SUBSTANCES ACTING ON THE URINARY SYSTEM. 67 

the mushroom, Helvetia esculenta, and transfusion of animal's blood, break 
up red blood-corpuscles, and the products are excreted by the urine, rendering 
it dark. Large doses of mineral acids, arsenic, naphtol [and naphtalin] are 
said occasionally to produce the same result. 

Phosphorus in large doses causes leucin and tyrosin to appear in the 
urine, and the urea is greatly increased. 

The saline diuretics increase the solids of the urine. 

The chrysophanic acid in rhubarb and senna makes the urine, if it is acid, 
a brownish color; if it is alkaline, a purplish red. Logwood renders alka- 
line urine reddish or violet. Santonin colors acid urine yellow or greenish- 
yellow, and alkaline urine, reddish. Carbolic acid, naphtalin, creosote and 
other preparations of tar, as well as the arbutin in uva ursi, chimaphila and 
gaultheria, make it dark greenish-brown. Picric acid makes it a bright-yel- 
low, and methyl violet a dark -blue. The urine of persons poisoned with car- 
bon dioxide remains sweet for months. 

Poisoning by carbon dioxide, curare, amyl nitrite and turpentine, and 
sometimes [chloroform, camphor,] mercury, morphine, chloral, [hydrocyanic] 
acid, sulphuric acid, alcohol, lead compounds, and salicylic acid lead to the ap- 
pearance in the urine of a body which like sugar reduces Fehling's copper solu- 
tion. Some authorities state that the urine, after the administration of these drugs, 
does not contain glucose, but glycuronic acid ; for although it reduces blue 
copper solutions, it does not undergo alcoholic fermentation on the addition of 
yeast or give the phenyl-hydrazin test. The administration of phloridzin, [a 
glucoside from the bark of stem and root of the apple, pear, plum and cherry, 
which, when continuously heated with dilute mineral acids, is resolved into 
glucose and phloretin], appears to lead to the production of genuine glucose in 
the urine. 

Other drugs cause a peculiar odor in the urine ; for example, the smell of 
violets is produced by turpentine. The aromatic odor of cubeb and copaiba 
can be detected in the urine after the administration of these bodies. 

Lead, if taken for long periods, produces chronic interstitial inflammation 
of the kidney. It is stated that rarely mercury will do the same. 

7. Drugs acting on the bladder and urethra. — The only ones of 
any practical value are sedatives to the urinary tract. 

If the urine is decomposing, drugs preventing its decomposition come 
under this head. Other sedatives are opium, belladonna, hyoscyamus, 
pareira, buchu and uva ursi, which are direct sedatives to the vesical and 
urethral mucous membrane. If the urine is excessively acid, alkalies are 
urinary sedatives. 

Urinary sedatives are used very largely in cases of cystitis and urethritis, 
whatever the cause may be. Local astringent and antiseptic injections are 
also employed. 



68 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Division VII. — Drugs acting on the Bodily Heat. 

A. Antipyretics, or Drugs which decrease the Bodily 
Temperature. — There are few if any drugs which can lower 
the temperature in health. Some, it is true, will cause the tem- 
perature to fall below normal, if given, to a healthy man in large 
enough doses to induce severe collapse. The word antipyretic is 
limited to those drugs which bring down the temperature when it 
is raised owing to disease. We know that the greatest amount of 
heat is produced in the muscles, and that there is a special part 
of the corpus striatum presiding over this production ; that heat 
is lost mostly by radiation from the vessels of the skin and by 
the evaporation of sweat, and that these vessels and the sudo- 
riparous glands are under the control of the central nervous 
system. Heat is also lost by excretion through the lungs. As 
the production and loss are in health so accurately adjusted, many 
observers believe that there is a part of the cerebrum whose func- 
tion is to maintain the balance between the production and the 
loss. Also, all parts of this complex mechanism are supplied with 
blood vessels, alterations in the calibre of which must affect the 
activity of the parts they supply. 

There is every reason for believing that the part of the central 
nervous system which presides over the loss of heat (thermo- 
lysis), that which presides over the production of heat (ther- 
mogenesis), and that which possibly presides over the balance 
between the production and the loss (thermotaxis), can, each 
of them be influenced by afferent impulses reaching them from 
various parts of the body, and thus we see each of these three 
functions can probably be reflexly affected (see diagram on next 
page). 

Antipyretics which increase the loss of heat. — All sudorifics and 
all dilators of the cutaneous vessels act as antipyretics. Cold, 
such as a cold bath, increases the loss of heat by direct abstraction. 

Drugs which probably diminish the production of heat. — Our 
knowledge about these is at present uncertain, but it is very 
probable that phenacetin, antipyrin, and acetanilid dimin- 
ish the production by their action on the corpus striatum; 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE BODILY HEAT. 



69 



and that quinine, salicylic acid, salicin, and thallin also 
diminish the production ; but we do not know upon what part 




'essels ofSkiib 
Sweat-Glands 



of the thermogenetic apparatus they act. A cold bath not only- 
abstracts heat, but, after it has been in operation some little time, 
diminishes the production. 

Antimony, aconite, and digitalis are probably antipyretic through their 
effect on the circulation, but precisely how they act is not known. Sometimes 



70 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

the removal of some irritation which is acting reflexly may lower the tempera- 
ture. In this way purgatives are occasionally antipyretics. 

Therapeutics. — The sole use of antipyretics is to lower the 
temperature in fever. 

Drugs which increase the loss of heat were formerly popular 
as antipyretics, especially alcohol, spirit of nitrous ether, anti- 
mony, ipecacuanha, and opium, but now they are not much used. 
Cold is more often employed, either by cold sponging, ice, or a 
cold bath. Sponging with hot water will, by the vascular dilata- 
tion and subsequent sweating it induces, reduce a febrile tem- 
perature. 

Of the drugs which probably alter the productien, thallin is 
dangerous be'cause of the collapse it may produce ; quinine and 
salicylic acid are rather uncertain, except in ague and rheumatic 
fever respectively. Acetanilid, antipyrin and phenacetin are 
most in demand. They are certain antipyretics, and they give 
rise to less fear of collapse than the others. Acetanilid is prob- 
ably safer than antipyrin. Phenacetin is very safe, but it is not 
so powerful. They are quickly absorbed, and so they act 
promptly ; they are far more powerful antipyretics than any drugs 
which act by increasing the loss of heat, and these are very un- 
certain in their action, often not lowering the temperature at all. 
Another reason for preferring drugs which diminish thermo- 
genesis is that it is much more rational to lower the temperature 
by decreasing the production of heat than by increasing the 
loss, for then the production will, if anything, go on faster than 
before, in consequence of the attempt to compensate for the 
increased loss. Antipyretics should be rarely given, for probably 
fever is often beneficial. 

Drugs which cause a rise of temperature. — Belladonna and 
cocaine in poisonous doses may do this. How they act is not 
known. 

Tuberculin, various albumoses and certain animal poisons, such as that of 
shell -fish, will cause a rise of temperature. Their mode of action is unknown. 

We know of no drugs acting on thermotaxis. 



DRUGS ACTING ON RESPIRATION. 71 



Division VIII. — Drugs acting on Respiration. 

Respiration can be modified by such very various influences 
that it is difficult to decide upon the exact mode of action of any 
drug which affects it. For example, alterations in the blood and 
in the air will modify it ; the respiratory centre itself may be 
influenced, either directly or reflexly, from almost any organ in 
the body; or, again, the movements of the respiratory muscles 
themselves may be interfered with; and, lastly, respiration is 
much under the influence of the circulatory apparatus. Further- 
more, the chief object in medicine is to remove the cause of the 
respiratory difficulty rather than to act upon respiration itself. 

We have already spoken of those drugs which produce changes 
in the blood and the circulation, and the consideration of those 
modifications of the temperature, moisture, and pressure of the 
air which are of value in medicine, belongs to a book on general 
therapeutics. We will, therefore, now consider the respiratory 
drugs under the following heads : 

A. Drugs altering the Composition of the Air in- 
haled. — It is found convenient to administer some drugs, 
although they are not given for their influence on respiration, by 
making the patient inhale them ; such are anaesthetics and amyl 
nitrite. 

Some drugs when inhaled are particularly irritating to the 
bronchial mucous membrane, causing dilatation of the vessels, 
increased secretion, and reflexly, cough from the stimulation of 
the sensory nerves of the bronchial mucous membrane. 

Such are cold dry air, iodine, bromine, chlorine, senega, ipecacuanha, 
sulphurous anhydride, nitric acid fumes, ammonia, and tobacco. These are 
rarely used therapeutically as inhalations, and their inhalation is to be particu- 
larly avoided in irritable conditions of the bronchi. 

The drugs which, when inhaled, are soothing to the bron- 
chial mucous membrane are — 

Hydrocyanic acid. Conium. 

Inhalations which are used to stimulate the bronchi, that 



72 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



is to say, to increase their vascularity, secretion, and muscular 
power, are — 



(i) Carbolic acid j 
( 2 )OilofcajeputJ L L J 

(3) Oleum pini sylvestris, Tljxxx. ; 
[2.00 c.c] 



(4) Tinctura ben- 1 
zoini composita, 

(5) Creosote, | A^ss, [15.cc] 

(6) Oil of cubeb. J 



The amounts given after each are the quantities that should be added to a 
pint [500 c.c] of water at 140 F. ; [6o° C] 

Inhalations which are used to disinfect foul secretions 
from the bronchial mucous membrane are those of — 

(1) Creosote. (5) Sulphurous anhydiide. 

(2) Iodoform. (6) Oil of juniper. 

(3) Mild solutions of benzoin. (7) Oil of cubeb. 

(4) Carbolic acid. (8) [Oil of eucalyptus.] 

Inhalations for relieving spasm of the bronchial tubes are 
those of — 

(1) Conium. (4) Ether. 

(2) Stramonium. (5) Amyl nitrite. 

(3) Chloroform. 

B. Drugs acting on the Respiratory Centre. — If the 

drug, when injected into the carotid artery, very quickly produces 
its effect on respiration, it is concluded that it acts on the respi- 
ratory centre. Another experiment, often used to determine 
whether the drug acts on the centre, or on the vagal terminations 
in the lung, is to cut the vagi and to observe whether it acts sim- 
ilarly before and after the section. 

Drugs which directly stimulate the respiratory centre are — 



(1) Strychnine. 

(2) Ammonia (very powerful). 

(3) Apomorphine. 



(4) Belladonna. 

(5) Stramonium. 

(6) Hyoscyamus. 



Drugs which depress the respiratory centre are- 



(1) Physostigmine (very pow- 

erful). 

(2) Chloral hydrate. 

(3) Chloroform. 

(4) Ether. 

(5) Alcohol. 

(6) Opium. 

(7) Hydrocyanic acid. 



(8) Aconite. 

(9) Veratrine. 

(10) Conium. 

(11) Caffeine. 

(12) Quinine. 

(13) Ipecacuanha. 

(14) Antimony salts (both the 

last very weak). 



DRUGS ACTING ON RESPIRATION. 73 

Alcohol, ether, chloroform, caffeine, and quinine slightly excite, before 
they depress [the respiratory centre]. 

Therapeutics. — The drugs which excite the respiratory cen- 
tre may be used when there is any difficulty in respiration, espe- 
cially with the view of increasing the force of the respiratory act 
whilst other means are employed to get rid of the cause of the 
difficulty. They are, of course, most frequently required in dis- 
eases of the lungs, especially bronchitis. Ammonia and apomor- 
phine are often employed, as they are also powerful expectorants ; 
and belladonna is useful when there is too much secretion from 
the bronchial tubes. 

Substances which depress the respiratory centre are very little 
needed for this action ; but the centre for the reflex act of cough- 
ing is in the close neighborhood of the respiratory centre, and 
opium, hydrocyanic acid, conium, and ipecacuanha are 
often very valuable in allaying the continual hacking cough which 
so frequently accompanies disease of the heart and lungs. 

The drugs which relieve cough are very numerous, for it may 
be renexly set up by irritation of so many peripheral parts, viz., 
nose, throat, pharynx, ear, teeth, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, 
pleura, stomach, and liver ; and consequently its removal may 
depend upon the removal of peripheral irritation in any of those 
organs. 

C. Drugs affecting the Bronchial Secretion. 

(a) Those increasing it : 



(i) [Apomorphine.] 

(2) All alkalies, especially am- 

monium carbonate and 
other salts. 

(3) [Cocillafia.] 

(4) Ipecacuanha. 

(5) Senega. 

(6) Squill. 

(7) Turpentine. 

(8) [Terebene.] 



(9) Camphor. 

(10) Benzoin. 

(11) Balsam of Peru. 

(12) " " Tolu. 

(13) Antimony salts. 

(14) Sulphur. 

(15) Iodine. 

(16) Tobacco. 

(17) Pilocarpus. 

(18) Many volatile oils. 



[It is probable that volatile oils and substances containing 
them decrease the amount of bronchial secretion as a later 
effect]. 



74 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

(&) Those decreasing it ; 
(i) Acids. (3) Stramonium. 

(2) Belladonna. (4) Hyoscyamus. 

(c) Those disinfecting it: — Drugs which, when inhaled, act in this way 
have already been mentioned. Copaiba, cubeb, [eucalyptus,] and many vola- 
tile oils are excreted partly by the bronchial mucous membrane, and thus will 
disinfect the secretion. 

Therapeutics. — In bronchitis, remedies which increase the 
secretion are used when it is so viscid that it sticks to the tubes 
and cannot be coughed up ; and those which decrease it are 
employed when it is too watery to be easily expectorated. The 
use of the disinfectants is obvious, 

D. Drugs relaxing spasm of the Muscular Coat of 
the Bronchial Tubes, or Antispasmodics. — It is believed 
that [the symptom], asthma is due to a spasmodic contraction of 
the bronchial tubes, and as — 

(4) Grindelia. 

(5) [Aspidosperma.] 



(1) Stramonium. 

(2) Belladonna. 

(3) Hyoscyamus- 






relieve this symptom, it is concluded that these drugs relax spasm 
of the muscular coat of the bronchial tubes. Stramonium is the 
most powerful It is very likely judging by their analogous action 
in other parts of the body, that the following drugs act in the 
same way : 

Chloroform, ether, opium, chloral hydrate, cannabis indica, amyl nitrite, 
and conium. 

Therapeutics. — Stramonium is of great use [for relief of the 
symptom] asthma, and this and the other drugs may be employed 
for cases of bronchitis in which it is probable that the irritation 
caused by the inflammation of the tubes sets up spasm of them. 
Many of these muscular depressants in all probability depress the 
nerves at the same time. 

E. Drugs acting on the Vessels of the Bronchi. — 
These are the same as have been already described (p. 56) as act- 
ing on the vascular system generally. 

F. Expectorants. — The modes of action of drugs acting 
on the respiratory system are so complex that it is usual to regard 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 75 

most of them clinically, simply as drugs which hinder or aid the 
expectoration of the contents of the bronchial tubes. Those 
which aid it are divided into two groups, named after their action, 
not on the lungs, but on the circulation. . 

I. Stimulating expectorants. — These are stimulants to the circulation 
generally. They are — 



(i) Acids. 


(8) Balsam of Tolu. 


(2) Ammonium salts. 


(9) " " Peru. 


(3) [Cocillana.] 


(10) Turpentine preparations. 


(4) Senega. 


(11) Terebene. 


(5) squiii. 


(12) Oleum Pini Sylvestris. 


(6) Benzoin. 


(13) Nux Vomica. 


(7) Benzoic acid. 


(14) Sulphur. 


2. Depressing expectorants, — Th< 


ise depress the general circulation. 


They are — 




(1) Alkalies. 


(5) Pilocarpus. 


(2) Antimony salts. 


(6) Apomorphine. 


(3) Ipecacuanha. 


(7) Potassium Iodide. 


(4) Lobelia. 





Therapeutics. — It is almost impossible to lay down any gen- 
eral directions. The prescriber must consider in any case before 
him whether he wishes to stimulate or to depress the circulation, 
to increase or to diminish or to disinfect the expectoration, to 
stimulate the respiratory centre, to overcome spasm of the bron- 
chial tubes, or to allay a hacking cough ; and he must combine 
his remedies according to the answer he makes to these questions. 
Warmth to the chest and warm drinks are sedative, and increase 
the amount of secretion. Cold and cold drinks have an opposite 
effect. 

G. Drugs which in man sometimes produce Cheyne- 
Stokes Breathing. — These are morphine, potassium bromide, 
and chloral. In animals the following in addition may do it ; 
picro toxin, muscarine, digitalin, strychnine and ammonium car- 
bonate. 

Division IX. — Drugs Acting on the Digestive Apparatus. 
A. Drugs acting on the Teeth. — Soaps and powders are 
used for cleaning the teeth. The basis of most tooth powders 
is chalk, which acts mechanically ; charcoal is sometimes used in 



76 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

the same way. As the food is very liable to collect and decom- 
pose between the teeth, antiseptics, as quinine, borax and car- 
bolic acid, are often mixed with tooth powders. Astringents 
such as [krameria] are employed if the gums are too vascular. 
Mineral acids and alum are injurious to the teeth if used for a 
long time, and iron is liable to stain them ; therefore these sub- 
stances are best taken through a glass tube, and should not be 
used as gargles for long periods. 

Toothache may be relieved by local anodynes, as opium, creo- 
sote, or pure carbolic acid. The tooth is plugged with [absor- 
bent] cotton soaked in one of these. A piece of clean cotton 
must be placed over the carbolized cotton to prevent the carbolic 
acid from reaching the mouth. 

B. Drugs acting on the Salivary Gland. — Much atten- 
tion has been devoted to the submaxillary gland of the dog, and 
there is no reason for supposing that the other salivary glands of 
that animal or of other creatures, differ markedly from it. We 
know that the submaxillary gland is under the influence of the 
chorda tympani nerve, which contains vaso-dilator fibres, and also 
some which directly modify the secretion of the gland apart from 
the secondary effects, due to the alterations in the vessels, obtained 
when the chorda tympani is stimulated. This nerve has its cen- 
tre in the medulla, and is capable of being excited reflexly by 
stimulation of many nerves, even the sciatic, but especially by 
stimulation of the gastric branches of the vagus, and by the ter- 
minations in the tongue and mouth of the glosso-pharyngeal and 
gustatory nerves. The gland is also supplied with sympathetic 
branches which proceed from the cervical sympathetic trunk; 
these are vaso-constrictor, and can also modify the quality of the 
secretion ; but we do not know so much about* them as we do 
about the chorda tympani. Drugs which increase the amount of 
saliva have been called sialogogues ; those which decrease it, 
anti-sialogogues. It is clear that there are very many ways in 
which each of these might act, but here it will suffice to enu- 
merate only those ways in which they are known to act. 

i . Sialogogues acting either on the secretory cells or upon the 
terminations of the nerves in them. — Of these [pilocarpus] has been 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 77 

most studied, and by means of the experiments it has been proved 
to act either on the cells themselves or the terminations of the 
nerves in them. It acts equally well after section of all the 
nerves going to the gland. It acts when it is injected directly 
into the gland, but is prevented from reaching the general cir- 
culation. If it has been given, stimulation of the chorda or of 
the sympathetic produces no more effect on the amount of secre- 
tion than can be easily explained by the vascular effects. 
Sialogogues falling under this heading are — 



(i) Pilocarpus. 

(2) Muscarine. 

(3) Iodine compounds. 



(4) Mercury. 

(5) Tobacco. 

(6) Physostigmine. 



The last two probably act also by stimulating the centre in the medulla, 
for section of the chorda tympani decidedly lessens the secretion caused by 
them. Physostigmine soon ceases to cause an increase of the secretion, for it 
tightly contracts the vessels of the gland. 

2. Sialogogues acting reflexly by stimulating the peripheral ends 
of afferent nerves. — Of these there are two important varieties : 

{a) Those stimulating the gustatory and glosso-pharyngeal nerves in the 
mouth : 



(5) Ether. 

(5) All pungent substances, as 
mustard, ginger, etc. 



(1) All Acids and 

(2) Acid Salts. 

(3) Chloroform. 

(4) Alcohol. 

(3) Those stimulating the vagus in the stomach : 

Most emetics, especially Antimony and Ipecacuanha. 

3. Anti-sialogogues acting either on the secreting cells or the 
terminations of the nerves in them. — Of these atropine has been 
most studied, and it is proved to act directly on the gland by the 
fact that the administration of it prevents any increase of salivary 
secretion on stimulation of the chorda, although the vessels dilate 
as usual. It is highly probable that it acts upon the nerve ter- 
minations, because, even after considerable doses, quite paralyzing 
the secretion of chorda tympani saliva, stimulation of the sympa- 
thetic will still induce secretion. 

Anti-sialogogues falling under this heading are — 



(1) Belladonna. 

(2) Hyoscyamus. 



(3) Stramonium, and 

(4) Nicotine in excess. 



78 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

4. Anti-sialogogues acting reflexly by depressing the peripheral 
ends of afferent nerves. — Alkalies, opium, and any substances 
which allay irritation of the mouth. Part of the effect of opium 
is due to its depressing action on the medullary centre. 

Therapeutics. — A deficiency in the amount of saliva 
secreted is seen most markedly in fever, when the mouth becomes 
very dry, and the patient complains of thirst. Sometimes it is a 
disease in itself, and the origin of this malady is then probably 
nervous, It is a prominent symptom of belladonna poisoning. 
In fever, acid drinks, especially those containing carbon dioxide 
gas, lemonade, etc., are of use as sialogogues. Drinks which 
relieve this febrile thirst are called Refrigerants. For [the con- 
dition known as] " dry mouth " [pilocarpus] has been used, and 
it will relieve the dryness due to belladonna poisoning. Excessive 
salivary secretion is hardly met with except as a symptom of poi- 
soning, especially by mercury, [iodine or pilocarpus]. In some 
forms of indigestion the saliva has a very unpleasant taste, and 
may even be diminished in quantity, but then the indication is to 
treat the indigestion. 

C. Drugs acting on the Stomach. —Strictly speaking, 
we ought to consider these under the following heads : {a). Those 
drugs which, either by modifying the secretion of pepsin, or in 
some other way directly influence the conversion of proteids into 
peptones and albumoses. {f). Those which influence the property 
possessed by the gastric juice of curdling milk. (V). Those which 
modify the secretion of acid. (d). Those which modify the 
secretion of mucus. (Y). Those which influence the nerves, the 
vessels, or the movements of the stomach. (_/). Lastly, those 
which are emetics. Our knowledge, however, is not sufficient to 
enable us to do this, and the most useful classification is into those 
affecting the secretion of gastric juice as a whole, the secreted 
contents, the vessels, the nerves, the movements, and emetics. 

1. Drugs increasing the amount of gastric juice secreted. — 
These are usually called Stomachics, and include a great many 
substances. Stimulants to the mouth reflexly increase the secre- 
tion of gastric juice ; all bitter and aromatic substances act in 
this way, and they also increase the appetite. The mere presence 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 79 

of food in the stomach stimulates the gastric flow. Probably 
aromatics and bitters act also on the stomach itself. 

The drugs which increase the flow of gastric juice are — 



(i) Aromatics. 

(2) Bitters. 

(3) All alkalies (especially potas- 

sium and sodium bicarbon- 
ates, and Spiritus Ammoniae 
Aromaticus ) . 

(4) Alcohol. 



(5) Ether. 

(6) Chloroform. 

(7) Magnesia. 

(8) Magnesium carbonate. 

(9) Pungent substances (pep- 

per, mustard, horseradish). 



Therapeutics. — Stomachics are very largely used for the 
purpose of increasing the secretion of gastric juice in cases of 
dyspepsia. 

2. Drugs decreasing the amount of gastric juice secreted. 



(1) Mineral acids. 

(2) Acetic acid. 



(3) Many of those in the last list if 
given in large doses, e. g., 
alcohol, ether and chloroform. 



Therapeutics. — These drugs are never employed for this 
effect. It is particularly to be observed that while alkalies 
increase the secretion of the gastric juice, which is acid, they 
diminish that of the saliva, which is alkaline ; but acids increase 
the secretion of the alkaline saliva, but diminish that of the acid 
gastric juice. 

3. Drugs altering the composition of the gastric contents. — 
Acids and alkalies naturally modify the reaction of the gastric 
contents. For this purpose diluted mineral acids are often pre- 
scribed to be taken about two hours after a meal, in cases in 
which the cause of indigestion is thought to be that the amount 
of hydrochloric acid secreted is deficient. If the acid were given 
at meal-time it would prevent the secretion of the natural acid ; 
but by giving it after the meal, when all the acid that the gastric 
juice is capable of forming has been secreted, the drug carries 
on the act of digestion. In case of indigestion in which, from 
the nature of vomited matters or from any other reason, it is con- 
sidered that there is an excess of acid in the stomach, alkalies are 
given at meal-times, the favorite drug being sodium bicarbonate. 

Pepsin is given, usually in combination with diluted hydro- 






80 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

chloric acid, when it is probable that the cause of the indigestion 
is the secretion of too small an amount of pepsin ; but in this, 
as in every other variety of dyspepsia, it is far more important 
to remove the cause of indigestion than to endeavor to modify 
the composition of the secreted gastric juice. 

Many attempts have been made to try, by the administration 
of antiseptics, to prevent fermentation and putrefaction from 
going on in the stomach, but with a limited success, for a 
sufficient dose of any antiseptic [may be] frequently deleterious. 

Here, even more than in the last case, the right treatment is 
to remove the cause of the putrefaction. 

Drugs that have been used for this purpose are — 

(i) Carbolic acid. (8) [Salicin. 

(2) Iodoform. (9) Bismuth salicylate.] 

(3) Boric acid. (10) Sodium hyposulphite. 

(4) Creosote. (11) Sodium sulpho-carbol 

(5) Eucalyptus. ate. 

(6) Thymol. (12) Sulphurous Anhydride. 

(7) [Resorcin.] (13) Naphtol. 

Charcoal has been employed, but when it is moist it is useless. 

4. Drugs which dilate the vessels of the stcunach. — The vessels 
of the stomach are very sensitive to irritation. They easily dilate 
upon mechanical irritation, and the presence of food, especially 
peptones, causes the vascularity of the mucous membrane to 
increase. Within limits greater vascularity is an advantage, for 
it not only favors the secretion of gastric juice, but it facilitates 
absorption. 

The substances which increase the vascularity of the stomach 
are all stomachics (except alkalies), diluted mineral acids, the 
drugs which have been already enumerated as irritants generally, 
and squill, digitalis, colchicum, senega, copaiba, gamboge, guai- 
acum, and veratrine, This is a very long list, and many of the 
substances in it are never employed for their irritant effect ; in 
fact, the only ones in common use are the stomachics ; the others 
are far too powerful ; even small doses of them set up inflammation 
of the gastric wall, which is also produced by over-indulgence in 
stomachics, as we constantly see in the gastritis induced by alco- 






DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 81 

hol. The therapeutic indications for this class of drugs are the 
same as those for stomachics generally. 

Gastro-intestinal irritants. — In describing the individual actions 
of drugs the statement is frequently made that they are gastro- 
intestinal irritants, and this is a convenient opportunity for 
describing the symptoms produced in health by these drugs. If 
the drug has a caustic action, as many gastro-intestinal irritants 
have, the swallowing of it will cause considerable pain in the 
mouth and pharynx ; in a short time these parts will become 
severely inflamed, and consequently very much reddened, swollen 
and painful. The tongue will be often, much enlarged. If the 
drug is corrosive, sloughs, generally white in color at first, with 
a severely inflamed area around them, will be seen ; as they fall 
off they will leave ulcers. Owing to the pain and swelling, it 
will for some time be impossible to take any food, or at the best 
only that of a soft or fluid nature. Directly [after] the drug 
reaches the stomach, intense irritation is set up ; consequently 
the patient feels severe abdominal pain, and there is violent 
retching and vomiting. As the poison passes on, it produces its 
severe irritant effects on the intestine, and diarrhoea sets in. Both 
the vomited matters and the motions often contain blood. The 
general symptoms are an anxious countenance, small feeble pulse, 
scanty urine, a low temperature, and all the symptoms of collapse. 
Later on, the gastro-intestinal irritation may be severe enough to 
set up general peritonitis, or a gastric ulcer may form, and then 
there may be added to the case all the symptoms of gastric ulcer 
and its sequelae. The inflammation of the oesophagus may lead 
to its contraction. At the post mortem examination, if the 
patient has died soon after the administration of the poison, the 
stomach will be very red and ecchymosed, with a swollen mucous 
membrane. Parts of the intestine will be in the same condition. 
This severe inflammation may, in many places, have led to the 
formation of sloughs. It must be remembered that many gastro- 
intestinal irritants have no action on the mouth. 

5. Drugs which contract the gastric vessels. — These are the 
same as those which have already been enumerated as being 
generally astringent. They are much used more for the intestine 
6 



82 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

than the stomach, and will therefore be considered in detail 
presently. (See p. 90.) 

6. Drugs acting on the nerves of the stomach. — All drugs 
powerfully irritant to the stomach cause pain in it ; those that are 
only slightly irritant give rise to a sensation of warmth. It is 
never desired to produce gastric pain. 

Gastric sedatives. — These drags are the same as those which 
are local sedatives to other parts of the body. Those most used 
for the stomach are — 

(1) Bismuth subcarbonate. 

(2) Bismuth subnitrate. 

(3) Opium. 



(6) Ice. 

(7) Belladonna. 

(8) Hyoscyamus. 

(9) Stramonium. 



(4) Hydrocyanic acid. 

(5) Carbon dioxide. 

They are employed in the very many painful forms of dyspepsia. 

All, except perhaps stramonium, are in frequent use. 

7. Drugs acting on the movements of the stomach. — It has been 
observed that the movements of the stomach increase as the acidity 
of the contents increases. If it be that the acidity is the cause of 
the movements, anything which causes an increase of acidity will 
lead to more powerful movements. Apart from this, strychnine 
appears directly to stimulate the [unstriped] muscle of the gastric 
wall. Stomachics also probably aid the movements, so that our 
complete list will be mineral acids, nux vomica, and the stomachics. 

The proper churning up of the gastric contents is so necessary, 
that the value in -dyspepsia, of drugs which aid the gastric move- 
ments, is very great. Hence the frequency with which nux 
vomica enters into anti-dyspeptic acid mixtures. 

Carminatives. — This term is often applied to substances which 
aid the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines. They 
act by stimulating the gastric and intestinal movements. It has 
been found from clinical observation that the most efficient car- 
minatives are — 



(1) Stomachics generally, .espe- 

cially — 

(2) Aromatics, 

(3) Bitters, 

(4) Pungent substances, 



(5) Asafcetida, 

(6) Ammoniacum, 

(7) Valerian, and 

(8) Camphor. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 83 

8. Emetics. — It is well known that the many complicated 
mechanisms involved in the act of vomiting are under the con- 
trol of a centre in the medulla, which is capable of being stimu- 
lated by afferent impulses reaching it from many sources, such as 
the cerebrum, as when sights or smells cause sickness, the mouth, 
the pharynx, the oesophagus, the lungs, the heart, the stomach, 
the intestines, the biliary passages, the kidney, the peritoneum, 
and the uterus ; so that the drugs acting on any of these organs, 
or on the centre itself, might be emetics. But it is usual, in 
describing drugs which cause vomiting, to mention only those 
which do so either by acting on the stomach or on the centre in 
the medulla, and they are divided into two corresponding classes. 
Those acting on the stomach are sometimes called direct emetics, 
because they act directly on the stomach ; and those influencing 
the medulla are called indirect ; but some authors reserve the 
word direct for those acting on the medulla, and speak of those 
affecting the stomach as indirect. Considering this confusion, it 
is better to divide emetics into gastric and central. By means of 
the following experiments we determine to which group any drug 
belongs : 

. (i) The emetic is injected directly into the circulation. If 
very shortly after this vomiting takes place, the drug must have 
acted on the medulla, to which it has been carried by the circu- 
lation ; but if some time elapses we conclude it acted on the 
stomach, and that it was first excreted into this organ before 
vomiting took place. This experiment may be made still more 
striking by injecting directly into the carotid, for then the 
medulla is quickly reached. 

(2) If the least quantity of the drug which, when injected 
into the circulation, will produce vomiting is larger than is neces- 
sary when it is introduced directly into the stomach, the infer- 
ence is that the drug acts primarily on the stomach, and that when 
it produces vomiting after injection into the circulation it only 
does so because some of it has been excreted into the stomach. 

(3) If the drug will not produce vomiting after injection into 
the circulation when the stomach is replaced by a bladder, it 
shows that it acted directly on the stomach ; but if vomiting is 



84 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

produced it shows that the drug acted on the medulla, and that 
the vomiting is caused by the contraction of the abdominal 
muscles. 

(4) If the drug takes a long while to act after its introduction 
into the stomach, it probably acts centrally ; and the reason for 
the delay is that sufficient time must elapse for the drug to be 
absorbed. 

In spite of these experiments it is difficult to be sure about 
the action of emetics, for some act in both ways, and some may, 
in the course of their circulation through the blood, act upon 
some of the many parts of the body from which the vomiting 
centre receives afferent impulses. 

The following is a list of those emetics which are commonly used. 
Emetics acting on the stomach : 



(5) Zinc sulphate. 

(6) Sodium chloride. 

(7) Mustard. 

(8) Warm water. 



(1) [Yellow mercuric subsul- 

phate.] 

(2) Alum. 

(3) Ammonium carbonate. 

(4) Copper sulphate. 
Of these zinc and copper sulphate act slightly on the medulla. 
Emetics acting on the medullary centre : 

(1) Apomorphine. (4) Senega. 

(2) Tartar emetic. (5) Squill. 

(3) Ipecacuanha. 
Of these tartar emetic and ipecacuanha act partly on the stomach. 

first three are very powerful emetics, and are much more depressant in their 
action than the gastric emetics. 

Therapeutics. — Emetics have two uses. Firstly, to remove 
the contents of the stomach. Thus when that organ is over-full, 
and there is a feeling of nausea, an emetic by emptying the 
stomach may relieve. Emetics are largely used to empty the 
stomach in cases of poisoning, and they may benefit certain 
cases of sick headache. An emetic occasionally aids the expul- 
sion of a foreign body which has become impacted in the fauces 
or oesophagus. Secondly, emetics are used to expel the contents 
of the air-passages, especially in children, for they cannot expec- 
torate well. For this purpose these drugs are given to help chil- 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



85 



dren to expel the morbid products in bronchitis, laryngitis, and 
diphtheria. They also aid the expulsion of foreign bodies that 
have become impacted in the larynx. In choosing an emetic it 
will be remembered that although apomorphine, ipecacuanha, 
and tartar emetic are the most powerful they are the most 
depressant, and are therefore not suitable in many cases — such, 
for instance, as poisoning accompanied by severe collapse. When 
the poison is a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant, if the condi- 
tion of the mouth and oesophagus will allow of it, it is preferable 
to wash out the stomach rather than to use an emetic. 

Emetics are not permissible for patients suffering from 
aneurism, hernia, prolapse of uterus or rectum, peritonitis, or a 
tendency to haemorrhage, because of the straining induced by 
the vomiting, which should make us cautious in giving them to 
those who have disease of their vessels or high tension in them, 
for the straining may lead to haemorrhage. 

9. Anti-emetics. — The causes of vomiting are so numerous that 
the number of drugs which may stop vomiting is very large ; 
therefore, as in the case of emetics, we can only consider those 
which act either on the stomach or on the centre in the medulla. 

Anti-emetics acting on the stomach. — These are all those sub- 
stances which have been already enumerated as having a seda- 
tive influence on the gastric nerves, viz. : 



(1) Ice. 

(2) Bismuth subcarbonate. 

(3) Bismuth subnitrate. 



(4) Opium. 

(5) Hydrocyanic acid. 

(6) Carbon dioxide. 



Also some drugs which occasionally appear to have a specific local action 
in arresting vomiting ; such are : 



(1) Cocaine. 

(2) Cerium oxalate. 

(3) [Menthol.] 

(4) Wine of ipecac. 

(5) Tincture of iodine 

(6) Arsenous acid. 



•} 





(7) Alcohol. 

(8) Carbolic acid. 






(9) Chloroform. 




In 
minute 
doses. 


(io) Creosote, 
(n) Ether. 

(12) Silver nitrate. 

(13) The sulphocar- 

bolates. j 


small 
doses. 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Anti-emetics acting centrally — 

(6) Amyl nitrite. 



(i) Opium. 

(2) Ammonium, 

(3) Potassium, and 

(4) Sodium bromides. 

(5) Chloral hydrate. 
It will be noticed that some drugs fall under both headings. 



(7) Nitroglycerin. 

(8) Diluted hydrocyanic acid. 

(9) Alcohol. 



Therapeutics. — The very name of these drugs indicates 
their therapeutical application. At the best they are only pallia- 
tiye ; the right way to treat vomiting is, if possible, to remove 
the cause. Of anti-emetics, ice, diluted hydrocyanic acid, car- 
bon dioxide, bismuth salts, morphine, [menthol] and iodine are 
perhaps the most reliable, but all are very uncertain. 

D, Drugs acting on the intestines. — Many secretions 
are poured into the intestine, the food is much altered by the 
time it arrives there, and it is changed in its course down the 
intestine ; the physiology of intestinal digestion, of the move- 
ments and the nervous mechanism of the intestine are imper- 
fectly known ; drugs may be considerably altered by the time 
they come to this part of the alimentary canal, and its diseases 
are little understood ; consequently we cannot arrange the action 
of drugs in a physiological classification. We know, in fact, of 
only [three] important divisions, purgatives, [antiseptics] and 
astringents. 

The methods of experiments which have been used to deter- 
mine the mode of action of purgatives are chiefly those of Thiry 
and Moreau. The first-named observer cut the intestine across 
in two places a short distance apart ; the isolated part which was 
still attached to the mesentery was sewn up at one end ; the other, 
the open end, was attached to the abdominal wall, and thus 
there was a test-tube-like piece of intestine into which drugs 
could be placed. The parts of intestine, on either side of the 
excised piece, were sewn together, so that the whole intestine 
was the same as before, but a little shorter. This method did not 
give very satisfactory results, and consequently Moreau devised 
his experiments, which seem more trustworthy. He put four liga- 
tures around the intestine at equal distances apart, so that he shut 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 87 

off from the rest of the [intestine] and from each other three pieces 
of intestine, each of the same length. With a fine syringe he 
injected into the middle piece the drug to be experimented upon, 
and returned the whole into the abdominal cavity. In a few 
hours the animal was killed, and the state of the interior of the 
middle piece was contrasted with that of the pieces either side of 
it. Before Moreau's experiments there had been much discussion 
as to whether some purgatives did not act only by increasing the 
action of the muscular coat, and others only by stimulating the 
secretions, bat from these experiments it appears that probably 
the majority act in both ways, some very slightly on the secretion 
and powerfully on the muscle, and others slightly on the muscle 
and powerfully on the secretion. We will first consider intes- 
tinal purgatives, [then intestinal antiseptics] and [finally] intesti- 
nal astringents. * 

Purgatives are divided into the following classes. 

Laxatives. — These are substances which slightly increase the 
action of the bowels chiefly by stimulating their muscular coat. 

They are — 



(i) Whole meal bread. 

(2) Honey. 

(3) Treacle. 

(4) Most fruits, especially- 

(5) Tamarind, 

(6) Fig, 

(7) Prune, and 



(8) Stewed apples. 

(9) Manna. 

(10) Cassia [Fistula]. 

(11) Sulphur. 

(12) Magnesia. 

(13) Olive oil. 

(14) Castor oil (small doses). 



These are all domestic remedies employed for slight cases of 
constipation, especially in children ; some, as brown bread, fruits, 
honey, form articles of diet with persons who are liable to con- 
stipation. [Ergot, physostigma, nux vomica, belladonna, hyos- 
cyamus, and stramonium are also laxatives, but are not used except 
under medical orders.] Nux vomica is most valuable; it is prob- 
ably a direct stimulant to the muscular coat, hardly influencing 
secretion. It is largely used in cases of chronic constipation, 
especially when occurring in anaemic persons, or in those in 
whom, for any reason, it is likely that the intestinal peristalsis is 
feeble. 



88 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Belladonna in small doses increases peristaltic movements 
because it paralyzes the inhibitory fibres of the splanchnics, but 
in moderate doses it completely arrests peristaltic movements. 
It is chiefly employed for this latter purpose, especially in com- 
bination with opium. Hyoscyamus acts on the intestines in the 
same way, and small doses of it are often given with other purga- 
tives to prevent griping, for it gives an orderly rhythm to the 
irregular contractions, which the stronger purgatives produce. 

Ergot and physostigma are hardly ever used for their laxative 
effect. [Ergot, however, so often produces diarrhoea that its 
purgative action should be kept in mind.] 

Simple purgatives. — These are rather more powerful in their 
action than laxatives. They stimulate peristalsis and also increase 
secretion. Some of the laxatives, as castor oil and magnesia, 
when given in large doses become simple purgatives. 



The simple purgatives are — 
(i) Aloes. 

(2) Rhubarb. 

(3) Rhamnus Frangula. 



(4) [Rhamnus Purshiana.] 

(5) Senna. 

(6) Fel Bovis. 



These are all in common use. The indications for each will 
be given under the individual drug. 

Drastic purgatives, often called cathartics. — These excite 
greatly increased secretion and peristaltic movements, and if 
given in large doses cause severe irritation of the intestine, with 
much secretion of mucus, great vascular dilatation, and even 
hemorrhage, severe abdominal pain and collapse, with profuse 
diarrhoea. The peristaltic contractions are often irregular, and 
hence there may be much griping pain ; therefore it is usual to 
prescribe hyoscyamus with these drugs, which are in order of 
efficiency — 






(1) Calomel. 

(2) Podophyllum. 

(3) [Leptandra.] 

(4) Aloes. 

(5) Jalap. 

(6) Scammony. 



(7) Gamboge. 

(8) Oleum Terebinthinae. 

(9) Colocynth. 

(10) Elaterium. 

(11) Croton oil. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 89 

The most powerful are placed last. Some, as jalap, elaterium, scammony, 
are often called hydragogue, because of the large amount of secretion they 
excite. 

Therapeutics. — Drastic purgatives are employed in obsti- 
nate constipation, and also to produce' very watery evacuations 
with the object of removing as much fluid from the body as pos- 
sible. Hence the frequent use of jalap in Bright' s disease. 

Saline purgatives. — The action of these is obscure, but it 
seems certain that they very greatly increase the secretion of 
intestinal fluid, and hinder its reabsorption, so that a large 
amount of it accumulates in the intestine. The distension due 
to this accumulation excites gentle peristalsis, and consequently 
an easy, painless evacuation of the bowels. Secretion goes on 
till the fluid in the intestine has become a 5 or 6 per cent, solu- 
tion of the drug, so that if a very concentrated solution is given, 
much intestinal fluid is secreted. There is some doubt whether 
osmosis plays any part in the process. The saline purgatives are — 

(0 

tartrate. (6) Sodium phosphate. 

(2) Potassium bitartrate. (7) Magnesium sulphate and 

(3) 
(4) 

Therapeutics.— These are very largely used as habitual 
purgatives, especially for persons suffering from any form of gout. 
They form the essential ingredient of most purgative mineral 
waters, as Hunyadi Janos, [Apenta], Pullna, Friedrichshall, 
^Esculap, Rubinat, [Villacabras], etc 

The best way of taking them is to put the required dose of 
the salt, or the mineral water, in a tumbler, add some lukewarm 
water, and sip it slowly while dressing in the morning. 

Cholagogue purgatives will be described when speaking of 
the liver. 

Enemata. — Any fluid preparation given per rectum is called 
an enema. When a purgative is liable to produce sickness, or it 
is inadvisable, because of peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, ulcera- 
tion, or other diseases, to give it by the mouth, it may be given 
per rectum. Castor oil, aloes olive oil, magnesium sulphate, etc., 



Potassium [and sodium] 


(5) Sodium tartrate. 


tartrate. 


(6) Sodium phosphate. 


Potassium bitartrate. 


(7) Magnesium sulphate 


Potassium sulphate. 


other salts. 


Sodium sulphate. 








90 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

may be administered in this way. Enough of a vehicle must 
always be used to make a purgative enema up to three-quarters of 
a pint or a pint [360. or 500. c.c], for distension of the rectum 
greatly aids purgation. A teaspoonful [4 c.c] of glycerin injected 
into the rectum, or the same amount given as a suppository, often 
unlocks the bowels. 

[Intestinal Antiseptics.— These are believed to check 
fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines and are — 

(7) Creosote. 

(8) Corrosive Mercuric Chlo- 
ride. 

(9) Oil of Turpentine. 
(10) Silver Nitrate. 



(1) Naphtol. 

(2) Bismuth Naphtolate. 

(3) Naphtalin. 

(4) Bismuth Salicylate. 

(5) Salol. 

(6) Chlorine. 



Naphtol has been shown to destroy micro-organism in situ. 
Bismuth naphtolate has not the irritating properties of naphtol, 
but appears to be equally effective. When pure, naphtalin is 
not absorbed, it does not cause toxic symptoms, nor is there 
any change in the urine. Salol, a combination of salicylic 
and carbolic acids, decomposes only in an alkaline solution, 
and this is useful for action in the small intestine. Chlorine 
water has been used for the disinfection of the intestine in 
typhoid fever. Creosote is valuable if administered in the form 
of enteric pills, which are soluble only in the intestinal fluids. 
Corrosive mercuric chloride is too poisonous for use, save in 
exceptional cases. The late George B. Wood, of Philadelphia, 
achieved brilliant success with oil of turpentine in the treatment 
of typhoid fever. Silver nitrate has a limited use as an anti- 
septic, in its local application to dysenteric ulcerations within 
reach in the rectum and sigmoid flexure. The intelligent use of 
the foregoing drugs has greatly improved the success of the treat- 
ment of enteritis, diarrhoea, colitis, dysentery and typhoid fever.] 

Intestinal Astringents. — These may be described under 
the following heads : 

Astringents acting on the vessels of the intestine. — These are 
the same as those acting on vessels generally. Those employed 
for their action on the intestine are — 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 91 

(i) Lead salts. i (3) Alum. 

(2) Dilute solutions of silver salts. | (4) Diluted sulphuric acid. 

Astringents coagulating albuminous fluids and thus constricting 
the vessels : — 



(1) Tannic acid, and all sub- 

stances containing it, as — 

(2) Krameria, 

(3) Kino, 



(7) Eucalyptus gum. 

(8) Lead salts. 

(9) Silver salts. 
(10) Zinc salts. 



(4) Haematoxylon, (11) Bismuth salts. 

(5) Cinnamon, J (12) Copper salts, and especially 



(6) Catechu, and I (13) Ferric salts. 

Astringents diminishing the amount of i?itestinal fluid secreted : 

(1) Opium. (3) Lead salts. 

(2) [Coto.] (4) Calcium salts. 

The precise action of these is obscure, but it is probable that they operate 
in the way indicated. 

Astringents diminishing the contractions of the muscular coat 
of the intestines : 

(1) Opium. (5) Lead salts. 

(2) Belladonna. (6) Lime. 

(3) Hyoscyamus. (7) Bismuth salts. 

(4) Stramonium. 

Therapeutics. — The first proceeding in every case of diar- 
rhoea is to remove its cause ; if this can be done, it will probably 
subside. Often the cause is some irritating, indigestible food, 
and then it is advisable to give a mild purge, as castor oil, rhu- 
barb, etc., to get rid of it The majority of cases of ordinary 
diarrhoea are probably due to some slight enteritis, and then any 
one of the astringents that have been named will be valuable, for 
it is desirable to constrict the dilated vessels, and to diminish the 
secretion and the movements. Intestinal astringents are, there- 
fore, often combined, and, when the diarrhoea is at all serious, 
opium is of great service. If there is a persistent cause, as tuber- 
culous ulceration, the hope of doing good is slight. But the treat- 
ment by drugs is only a small part of the battle ; if the diarrhoea 
is severe, absolute rest is necessary, food must be very simple and 
given in small quantities at a time, not much fluid should be 
drunk, and the patient must be kept warm. 



92 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

E. Drugs acting on the Liver. — The liver has several 
distinct functions, viz. : (a) to secrete bile ; (jft) to form urea ; 
(7) to form and store up glycogen ; (d) to excrete substances 
absorbed from the intestine ; and (e) to destroy poisonous sub- 
stances absorbed from the intestine. 

i. Drugs influencing the secretion of bile. — It does not follow 
because more bile appears in the faeces that more is secreted, for 
it may be that the gall-bladder and ducts have been thoroughly 
emptied, or that the bile which has been poured into the duode- 
num has been swept along quickly before reabsorpiion, which is 
ordinarily brisk, has had time to take place. Drugs which 
increase the amount of bile actually secreted are called direct 
cholagogues, or hepatic stimulants; but this is a bad name, 
as the liver has so many distinct functions : those which simply 
lead to a larger amount of bile being found in the faeces without 
any extra secretion are called indirect cholagogues. 

Direct Cholagogues. — These have been studied in fasting, 
curarized dogs. A canula is inserted into the bile-duct, and is 
brought out of the body, the drug to be experimented upon is 
administered, and the amount of bile secreted before and after 
the administration is noted. No food must be given during the 
experiment, as that alone causes a considerable increase in the 
biliary flow. 

Direct cholagogues (the most powerful being placed first) are — 



(i) Podophyllin. 

(2) Euonymus. 

(3) Iridin. 

(4) [Leptandra.] 

(5) Aloes. 

(6) Ipecacuanha. 

(7) Diluted nitric acid. 

(8) Diluted nitrohydrochloric 

acid. 

(9) [Corrosive] mercuric chlo- 

ride. 
(10) Sodium phosphate. 



(11) Sodium salicylate. 

(12) Sodium benzoate. 

(13) Sodium sulphate. 

(14) Colocynth. 

(15) Colchicum. 

(16) Potassium sulphate. 

(17) Ammonium benzoate. 

(18) Rhubarb. 

(19) Jalap. 

(20) Scammony. 

(21) Diluted arsenous acid. 



There are individual differences among direct cholagogues. Some, as 
sodium salicylate, make the flow very watery; with one (toluylendiamine), ' 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 93 

which is not given to man, the bile secreted is so thick that it flows through 
the duct with the greatest difficulty. 

Indirect Cholagogues. — These cause no increase in the 
amount of bile secreted ; they act by stimulating the upper part 
of the jejunum and the lower part of the duodenum, thus sweep- 
ing the bile on before there is time for it to be re-absorbed. 

They are — (i) Mercury; (2) most Cathartic purgatives especially 
Calomel 

Therapeutics. — Cholagogues are used for cases of dyspepsia 
in which there is reason to believe that the liver is the organ at 
fault, and certainly they often have a very markedly beneficial 
effect. It is clearly an advantage to combine direct and indirect 
cholagogues in order to insure that the bile shall be excreted. 
As bile itself is a stimulant to the peristaltic movements of the 
intestine, all cholagogues are purgatives, and form a distinct class 
of purgatives. In cases of hepatic dyspepsia attention to diet is 
of the greatest importance, and muscular movements, as riding, 
rowing, etc., aid in the expulsion of bile from the gall-bladder 
and ducts. 

Anti- Cholagogues. — These are often called hepatic depres- 
sants. They decrease the quantity of the bile secreted. Calomel, 
castor oil, gamboge, magnesium sulphate, opium and lead acetate 
have this effect, but it is not sufficiently marked to interfere with 
their therapeutic use for other purposes, and they are never em- 
ployed for this action. 

2. Drugs modifying the fomnation of urea by the liver. — It is 
believed that some of the nitrogenous substances, especially 
leucin, arriving at the liver, are there converted into urea. The 
quantity of urea excreted by the urine is increased by phosphorus, 
arsenic, antimony, ammonium chloride, and iron. Phosphorus 
may also lead to the appearance in the urine of leucin and tyro- 
sin. There is some evidence that this drug causes an increase of 
the urea through its action on the liver, for in phosphorus poison- 
ing that organ undergoes extreme fatty degeneration, and jaun- 
dice supervenes. Whether the other drugs act through the liver 
is doubtful. Antimony and arsenic, if given in large doses for 
some time, both produce general fatty degeneration. All these 



94 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

substances must be administered in almost poisonous doses in 
order to increase the urea in the urine, and they are not employed 
therapeutically for this purpose. 

Opium, colchicum, alcohol, and quinine are said to increase 
the quantity of urea excreted. 

3. Drugs modifying the glycogenic function of the liver. — We 
will here refer to those drugs which cause sugar to appear in the 
urine, and to those drugs which diminish the glycogenic function 
of the liver. 

Drugs causing Sugar to appear in the Urine.— Until 
recently it was assumed that all these drugs acted on the liver, 
probably by increasing the amount of sugar made from the he- 
patic store of glycogen ; but now we have reasons for thinking 
that sometimes the pancreas may be the organ at fault in diabetes, 
for its excision causes sugar to appear in the urine, and other 
symptoms of diabetes ; also it has been suggested that perhaps 
some perversion of processes going on in muscles may cause 
diabetes, therefore it is rash to assume that all drugs causing sugar 
to appear in the urine (glycosuria) must act on the liver. What 
little can be stated as to the mode of action of these drugs will 
be given when each individual drug is considered. 

The drugs stated to cause glycosuria have already been mentioned 
{See p. 167). 

Depressants of the Glycogenic Function. — Phosphorus, arsenic, 
and antimony diminish, and even stop the formation of glycogen by the liver; 
they also cause fatty degeneration of it. In certain forms of diabetes, opium, 
morphine, and codeine have a most marked effect in diminishing the quan- 
tity of sugar in the urine. 

Division X. — Drugs acting on the Nervous and Muscular 

Systems. 

A. Drugs acting on the Muscles. — Pharmacologists have 
devoted much attention to this class of drugs ; but as the facts 
ascertained are not used in medicine, we need not stop to con- 
sider them. Brunton gives the following classification, founded 
on that of Kobert : 

Class I. Irritability of muscle zcnaffected ; total amount of work it can 
do diminished. — The following produce this effect : Apomorphine, delphine, 






DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 95 

saponin, copper, zinc, and cadmium, and in large doses, antimony, arsenic, 
platinum, and iron. 

Class II. Both the irritability and the capacity for work diminished. — 
The following produce this effect: Potassium, lithium, ammonium, quinine, 
alcohol, chloral hydrate, and chloroform. 

Class III. Diminish the capacity for work, and make the excitability very 
irregular. — Lead, emetine, and cocaine. 

Class IV. Alter the form of the muscle curve. — Veratrine, barium, stron- 
tium, and calcium salts, digitalis, and squill. 

Class V. Increases the excitability. — Physostigmine. 

Class VI. Increase the capacity for work. — Caffeine and theobromine. 

Small doses of strychnine and veratrine shorten the latent period ; large 
doses lengthen it. 

Dilute alkalies diminish the extensibility; dilute acids increase it. 

B. Drugs acting on the Peripheral Endings of Motor 
Nerves. — Of the drugs belonging to this group the action of 
curare has been worked out most fully. If curare is given to an 
animal, it is found that the muscles will respond to a mechanical 
stimulus, although they will not contract when the motor nerve is 
stimulated. If a single muscle be removed from the circulation 
by ligature of its vessels before the administration of curare, 
afterwards it will be the only one that will respond to stimula- 
tion of its motor nerve. As this was the only muscle of the body 
that the drug could not reach, and it is the only one not poi- 
soned, the poison clearly acts locally on the muscles ; but as the 
curarized muscle will respond to mechanical stimulation, curare 
must paralyze the motor nerves within the muscle, probably the 
end plates. 

Drugs paralyzing the termination of the motor nerves in muscle : 



(i) Curare. 

(2) Conium. 

(3) Belladonna (atropine). 

(4) Stramonium. 

(5) Hyoscyamus. 

(6) Saponin. 

(7) Sparteine. 

(8) Amyl nitrite. 

(9) Diluted hydrocyanic acid. 

(10) Cocaine. 

(11) Camphor. 



(12) Lobeline. 

(13) Nicotine. 

(14) Methyl-brucine. 

(15) Methyl-cinchonine. 

(16) Methyl- codeine. 

(17) Methyl-morphine. 

(18) Methyl-quinine. 

(19) Methyl-nicotine. 

(20) Methyl-strychnine' 1 , 

and many others. 



96 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

Curare and conium are by far the most important. Therapeutically we 
never desire to paralyze motor nerve endings. 

Drugs stimulating the termination of motor nerves in muscle : 

(i) Aconite. (4) Pyridine. 

(2) Nicotine. (5) Strychnine (slightly). 

(3) Pilocarpine. 

Excepting that perhaps some of the beneficial action of strychnine in 
certain cases may be due to its slight action on motor nerves, we do not em- 
ploy these drugs for this action. 

C. Drugs acting on the Peripheral Endings of 
Sensory Nerves (other than those of special sense) — Oar 
knowledge of these is derived almost entirely from observations 
on man, for it is very difficult to experiment upon animals, as 
they have such imperfect means of communicating their sensa- 
tions to us. 

Drugs which stimulate the termination of sensory nerves. — 
These, when applied locally, cause pain. They are the same as 
the local vascular irritants which have already been enumerated 
(p. 57) ; in fact, most of them give rise to pain by causing local 
inflammation. There is 1:0 need to repeat the list. 

Therapeutics. — Local irritants are chiefly employed for 
their action on the vessels, but as they are also counter-irritants, 
their application to the skin, while causing some pain there, will 
often relieve a deep-seated pain. Although pain is always referred 
to the periphery, it is appreciated centrally, and therefore peri- 
pheral stimulation of nerves, which also reflexly excites the heart 
and respiration, is used to rouse people from unconsciousness, 
such as that of fainting, opium poisoning, etc. For these pur- 
poses the stimulus must be prompt, hence the application of the 
faradic current to the skin is a good means to employ. 

Drugs which depress the terminations of sensory nerves. — Of 
these there are two kinds : those which only relieve pain, or 
local anodynes ; and those which diminish sensibility, or 
local anaesthetics. 

Local Anodynes. — These have no action unless pain be present. They 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 97 



(i) Aconite. 

(2) Carbolic acid. 

(3) Menthol. 


(9) Chloral hydratt 

(10) Belladonna. 

(11) Stramonium. 


(4) Diluted hydrocyanic acid. 

(5) Sodium bicarbonate. 

(6) Ether. ^ These must be 

(7) Alcohol. 1 allowed to eva- 


(12) Hyoscyamus. 

(13) Opium. 

(14) Veratrine* 

(15) Zinc Oxide. » 


(8) Chloroform. J porate. 





In the above list the most powerful are placed first. Many other sub- 
stances are said to be local anodynes, but their claim to the title is doubtful. 
Cold is a powerful depressant of sensibility, and therefore it is an excellent 
local anodyne; so also is warmth, for heat primarily dilates the vessels, and 
thus relieves tension, which is a very powerful factor in causing pain. 

Therapeutics. — It is clear that the scope for the employ- 
ment of local anodynes is very wide. If possible, the first thing 
is to remove the cause of the pain, but often, as in neuralgia and 
many forms of pruritus, we cannot do this. 

Local Anaesthetics. — These are [ethyl chloride, rhigolene], cocaine, 
[eucaine], carbolic acid, and extreme cold, whether produced by ice or 
the ether spray. This spray was formerly employed to produce local anaes- 
thesia before doing small operations, but it has [the disadvantage of stiffening 
the parts so that it is only useful for single incision as for opening furuncles. 
Upon a damp day it is ineffectual. Ethyl chloride sprayed from tubes by the 
heat of the hand is the best method and the one most frequently employed at 
present. Eucaine and] cocaine, which produce a high degree of local in- 
sensibility, [are largely employed]. 

D. Drugs acting on the trunks of Nerves. — These 
are of greater pathological than pharmacological interest. If 
taken for a long time they produce chronic inflammation of the 
nerves, which is shown by the great increase of the fibrous tissue 
between the nerve-fibres and the fatty degeneration of the fibres 
themselves. During the earlier stages the irritation of the nerves 
causes much pain and tingling ■ later, as they lose their function, 
numbness, with loss of sensation, and paralysis set in, often 
accompanied by trophic lesions. For further details books on 
medicine must be consulted. 



PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 



The drugs producing peripheral neuritis are — 



(i) Lead. 
(2) Mercury. 



(3) Arsenic. 

(4) Alcohol. 



E. Drugs acting on the Spinal Cord. — The difficulties 
of experiment are so great that we know nothing of the action 
of drugs on the sensory portions of the cord. We are also igno- 
rant of the action of drugs on the motor fibres. The following 
method is adopted to discover whether a drug acts on the cells 
of the anterior cornua. Suppose we are studying a drug which 
stimulates the motor cells. After the drug has been given, a 
slight peripheral stimulus will produce such marked reflex action 
that convulsions will ensue upon the stimulation. If the cord is 
cut across and the convulsions follow the stimulus as before, it is 
clear that these cannot be of cerebral origin, for in that case 
they would not take place below the point of section. Again, if 
before injection of the drug into the circulation, the vessels of 
the cord are ligatured, and then the drug causes no convulsion, 
it is clear that it acts on the cord, and not on the muscles or 
nerves. These results are confirmed, if, when the drug is injected 
into vessels by which it reaches the cord quickly, convulsions 
occur sooner than when it is thrown into other vessels : also if 
convulsions do not take place when the cord is destroyed ; and 
lastly if, when the destruction is gradually caused by pushing a 
wire down the vertebral canal, the convulsions cease from above 
downwards as the cord is destroyed. 

The drugs increasing the irritability of the anterior cornua are — 



(1) Strychnine. 

(2) Brucine. 

(3) Ammonia. 

(4) Thebaine. 



(5) Chloroform. 

(6) Ether. 

(7) Ergot. 

(8) Opium. 



(The last four only slightly, and early in their action.) 

Therapeutics. — It is very rarely that we can do any good 
in spinal diseases by attempting to stimulate the anterior cornua; 
but strychnine is occasionally given for cases of paralysis due to 
diseases of the spinal cord. 






DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 99 
Drugs which depress the activity of the anterior cornua: 



(i) Physostigmine. 

(2) Bromides. 

(3) Alcohol. 

(4) Chloroform. 

(5) Ether. 

(6) Ergot. 

(7) Opium. 

(8) Mercury. 

(9) Zinc salts. 

(10) Silver salts. 

(11) Sodium salts. 

(12) Potassium salts. 

(13) Lithium salts. 



(14) Antimony salts. 

(15) Arsenical salts. 

(16) Camphor. 

(17) Amyl nitrite. 

(18) Sodium nitrite. 

(19) Chloral hydrate. 

(20) Carbolic acid. 

(21) Apomorphine. 

(22) Veratrine. 

(23) Turpentine. 

(24) Saponin. 

(25) Emetine. 

(26) Gelsemium. 



Of these, apomorphine, alcohol, chloroform, ether, arsenic, camphor, mor- 
phine, carbolic acid, chloral hydrate, nicotine, and veratrine first excite slightly 
before depressing. 

Therapeutics. — These drugs are of very little use in medi- 
cine for their action on the spinal cord. Physostigmine is by far 
the most powerful, and has been occasionally used in obscure 
nervous diseases accompanied by convulsions, as tetanus. 

Ergot has a very peculiar action in producing sclerosis of the 
posterior columns of the cord. Lead sometimes causes atrophy 
of the anterior cornual cells, and long-continued abuse of alcohol 
probably causes slight degeneration of the cord as a whole. 

F. Drugs acting on the Brain. — The action of these 
cannot be localized nearly so accurately as can that of drugs 
acting on the spinal cord and nerves. Drugs acting on the brain 
illustrate two very important general laws. 

First, the law of dissolution, which, when stated as it 
applies in pharmacology, is as follows: When a drug affects 
functions progressively, those first affected are the highest in 
development ; that is to say, they are the last acquired by the 
individual and the last to appear in the species. The next affected 
are those next to highest, and so on ; till finally the lowest of all 
from an evolutionary point of view, that is to say, the functions 
of respiration and circulation, are affected. This law is very well 
exemplified in the case of alcohol, for the first functions to be 



LofC. 



100 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

disordered are those of the intellect, especially the highest, such 
as judgment and reason ; then follow disorders of movement, and 
finally death from failure of respiration and circulation. 

Another law very well exemplified by drugs which act on 
the brain is that when a drug in moderate doses excites a func- 
tion, in large doses it often paralyzes it. For example, a person 
under the influence of chloroform, soon after its administration, 
tosses his arms about in a disorderly way, but they subsequently 
become motionless, and cerebral stimulants may also be hypnotics. 

Drugs acting on the motor centres of the brain. — To investigate 
these, the motor area of the cortex is exposed by trephining, and 
the strength of current which it is necessary to apply to the motor 
area to produce corresponding movements, is noted before and 
after the administration of the drug. Another method is to 
observe the strength of current necessary to evoke a movement, 
then to allow the wound [made by the trephine] to close, after- 
wards the animal is made to take the drug regularly for some 
weeks. The opposite motor area is then exposed, and the strength 
of current required to call forth movements is noted. 

It has been found that [the following] diminish the activity of the cells of 
the motor area. 



(i) Alcohol. 

(2) Anaesthetics. 

(3) Chloral hydrate. 



(4) Potassium bromide. 

(5) Sodium bromide. 

(6) Ammonium bromide. 



Bromides are largely used in epilepsy and other convulsive 
disorders on account of this function. 

Drugs exciting the motor cells of the cortex are — 



(1) Atropine. 

(2) Absinthium. 



(3) Strychnine. 

(4) Physostigmine. 



They have no therapeutical application in virtue of this property. 

General cerebral stimulants. — It is impossible to know any- 
thing of these by experiments on animals. In man they cause 
general excitation of the mental faculties, followed in many cases 
by delirium and incoherence. The exact form of delirium differs 
a little in each case. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 101 



Such drugs are — 
(i) Belladonna. 

(2) Stramonium. 

(3) Hyoscyamus. 

(4) Alcohol. 

(5) Chloroform. 

(6) Ether. 

(7) Nitrous oxide. 

(8) Coffee. 

(9) Tea. 
(10) Guarana. 



(11) Coca. 

(12) Cannabis Indica. 

(13) Lupulus. 

(14) Opium. 

(15) Camphor. 

(16) Santonin. 

(17) Quinine. 

(18) Salicylic acid. 

(19) Tobacco. 



Therapeutics. — Many of these are taken habitually as cere- 
bral stimulants; for example, alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco, in 
England; opium in the East; cannabis indica in many parts of 
Asia; coca in parts of South America; and if it is wished to 
give a cerebral stimulant as a drug, one of these is usually chosen. 
The rest, which are very important, are commonly employed for 
some other action. With very many of this, class of drugs, as 
will be seen directly, the stimulant action soon gives way to a 
paralyzing influence. 

General cerebral depressants. — These are commonly divided 
into three classes : Hypnotics or Soporifics, Narcotics and Anaes- 
thetics. 

Hypnotics or Soporifics are drugs which produce sleep, 
closely resembling, if not identical with, natural sleep. The 
brain during sleep is anaemic, and it is thought that this anaemia 
is the cause of sleep ; possibly some soporifics act by producing 
cerebral anaemia. 



The hypnotics are — 

(1) Opium. 

(2) Morphine. 

(3) Chloral hydrate. 

(4) Chloralamide, 

(5) Butyl-chloral hydrate. 

(6) Bromides. 

(7) Hyoscyamus. 

(8) Cannabis Indica. 



(9) Paraldehyde. 
(10) [Trional. 
(n) Pellotine.] 

(12) Sulphonal. 

(13) Urethane. 

(14) Lupulus. 

(15) Alcohol. 

(16) Lactucarium. 



Therapeutics. — These drugs are often used for persons suf- 
fering from sleeplessness, but it is far more important to remove 



102 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

the cause of the sleeplessness. Sleep is often promoted by dila- 
ting the vessels of other parts of the body than the brain ; for 
example, a warm bath or an abundant meal conduces to sleep. 
The use of hypnotics is greatly abused. Those who take them 
become habituated to them, so that at last even large doses do 
not cause sleep. Chloral hydrate [if used with great caution, 
pellotine, paraldehyde, trional], and chloralamide are perhaps the 
most satisfactory. 

Narcotics are substances which not only produce sleep, but 
also in large doses depress the functions of respiration and circu- 
lation. Many of them fall also under the head of general anaes- 
thetics ; others are, in smaller doses, hypnotics. All must be 
given in considerable doses. 

The following is a list of them. 



(6) Hyoscyamus. 

(7) Alcohol. 

(8) Cannabis Indica. 

(9) Lupulus. 



(1) General Anaesthetics. 

(2) Opium. 

(3) Chloral hydrate. 

(4) Belladonna. 

(5) Stramonium. 

Therapeutics. — They are of great use in calming excite 
ment of any kind ; many of them, such as, for example, opium 
and belladonna, are beneficial in relieving distress and producing 
sleep in heart disease. 

General Anaesthetics. — These are drugs which lead to a 
total loss of consciousness, so that pain is no longer felt; at the 
same time reflex action is abolished. They illustrate admirably 
the law of dissolution, and also the fact that, after excitement, 
paralysis often succeeds ; and the stages consequent upon these 
laws can be readily observed in any one who is taking an anaes- 
thetic. Firstly, in obedience to the law of dissolution the highest 
faculty, the imagination, becomes excited, the patient sees visions 
and hears noises. He next begins to chatter wildly and inco- 
herently, for in the excitement of any function by a drug the 
exaltation is usually irregular, arid confusion results. Next, the 
other motor centres of the cortex are stimulated irregularly, so 
that he gesticulates, throws his arms about wildly, and tosses his 
body. By this time the brief stimulation of the higher intellec- 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 103 

tual faculties has probably ceased, and, in obedience to the 
second law, vision, hearing, and touch are dulled, and he has 
lost control over his reason, .so that he feels light-headed, as he 
expresses it, crying and laughing easily ; now he is totally irre- 
sponsible for his actions and careless as to their results. It will 
be noticed that the functions are paralyzed in the order stated in 
the law -of dissolution. Next there follows upon the stimulation 
of the motor areas, stimulation of the heart and respiration. The 
pulse and respiration both increase in number, the blood-pressure 
rises, the face flushes. Then comes depression of all the functions 
previously excited ; first the higher parts of the cerebrum give 
way, and the patient loses consciousness — neither bright lights, 
sounds, nor painful impressions arouse him ; he becomes quiet, 
and ceases to throw his arms and legs about ; the reflexes disap- 
pear, and consequently touching the conjunctiva does not produce 
closing of the eyelids ; the feet do not move when they are tickled, 
the pupil is contracted, and the previous quickening of the pulse 
and respiration are succeeded by a slowing of their rate. It is at 
this period that the patient cannot feel pain, and that therefore 
operations are performed. The depression of the motor centres 
is followed by the depression of the muscular tone, and the mus- 
cles become quite flaccid and cease to respond to mechanical 
stimulation. This is the degree of narcosis that is required for 
the easy reduction of dislocations and for the easy manual ex- 
amination of the abdominal viscera. Anaesthetics should not be 
pushed beyond this stage. If they are, even the involuntary 
muscles lose their tone and reflex excitability, so that the sphinc- 
ters of the rectum and the bladder relax. The depression of the 
pulse and respiration continues, the movements of the chest 
become weaker and weaker, and slower and slower, the pulse 
becomes very feeble, slow, and irregular, and the heart finally 
stops in diastole. Death occurs partly by the heart and partly 
by the respiration. At any period of the administration during 
which recovery is possible, the functions of the body will return 
in just the reverse order to that in which they were lost, thus 
again illustrating the law of dissolution. It is often many hours 
before the mental faculties have recovered their equilibrium, and 



104 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

long after the patient can move his muscles, he cannot co-ordi- 
nate them. There are individual differences in the different 
anaesthetics and in different persons. 
The general anaesthetics are — 



(5) Ethyl bromide.] 

(6) Many other substitution 

products derived from 
alcohols and ethers. 



(1) Chloroform. 

(2) Ether. 

(3) Nitrous oxide. 

(4) [Pental. 

Therapeutics. — Anaesthetics are given to cause uncon- 
sciousness, so that pain may not be experienced during opera- 
tions, to relax muscles in cases of dislocations, abdominal exami- 
nations, phantom tumors, etc., to relieve severe pain, such as that 
of parturition, biliary and renal colic, to quiet th'e body during 
convulsions, as in tetanus and hydrophobia. 

The chief dangers of ancesthetics are — 1. Death from shock. 
This usually takes place before the patient is fully under the 
influence of the anaesthetic ; reflex action is not yet quite abol- 
ished, and the heart is stopped reflexly from the peripheral 
stimulus of the operation. This is one of the greatest and most 
common dangers of anaesthetics, especially of chloroform. It is, 
to a large extent, avoidable if care be taken that the patient is 
fully under the influence of the anaesthetic before the operation is 
begun ; often, when it is trivial, the operator is in too great a hurry 
to begin, and the patient suddenly dies from failure of the heart. 

2. Death from paralysis of respiration. This is usually due 
to a combination of circumstances. Too much of the anaesthetic 
may have been given, respiration may be difficult because the 
patient suffers from some disease of the lungs, or the operation 
may demand that he should lie on his side or in some other posi- 
tion which hampers respiration. It is not a very great danger, 
for it is heralded by lividity ; and if then the posture is changed, 
the administration of the anaesthetic is stopped, and artificial 
respiration is performed, the patient usually quickly recovers; 
even if he does not, artificial respiration, with the head thrown 
back and the tongue pulled out, should be carried on as long as 
there is any evidence that the heart is beating, or if the patient 
draws a breath when artificial respiration is stopped for half a 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 105 

minute. [Patients] have recovered, although it has been neces- 
sary to keep up artificial respiration for hours. 

3. Cardiac failure may occur if the vapor is too concentrated. 
The patient almost suddenly becomes pale, and the pulse stops. 
In such a case no more of the anaesthetic should be given, artifi- 
cial respiration must be kept up in the manner just mentioned, 
[after] the patient [has been] inverted so that the head is lowest. 
The heart may be stimulated [by large rectal injections of hot 
normal saline solution or of coffee, if at hand], by the inhalation 
of amyl nitrite, by the plunging of electric needles into the heart, 
or [if the reflexes are not abolished,] by flicking the chest over 
the heart with hot towels and placing hot compresses over it. 
[The use of brandy subcutaneously is to add the effect of one 
poison to that of another. The application of the faradic 
current over the cardiac region is also objectionable.] 

4. Vomited matter and, if the operation is about the mouth, 
blood may suffocate the patient. To avoid the first contingency 
no food should be taken for some time before the operation, and 
if the patient is sick, he should be turned on his side ; to avoid 
the latter special precautions must be taken, which are described 
in books on operative surgery. 

For the relative advantages of the different anaesthetics and 
the mode of giving each, the account of the different individual 
drugs must be consulted. 

G. Drugs acting on the Eye. 

1. Drugs Acting on the Pupil. — The first thing to deter- 
mine is whether any drug which dilates or contracts the pupil acts 
locally or centrally. It is dropped into one eye : if it only acts 
feebly and after some time on both eyes, it follows that it has 
acted centrally after absorption from the conjunctiva into the 
general circulation ; but if it acts quickly, powerfully, and only 
on the eye into which it was dropped, its action is local. If it 
acts on an excised eye its action must be local. If, when all the 
vessels going to the eye are ligatured, the drug will act when 
dropped into the eye, but will not when thrown into the general 
circulation, this again shows that its action is local, and that 



106 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 






when it acts after being thrown into the circulation when no 
vessels are ligatured, it does so because it is circulating locally 
through the eye. If all the arteries and veins of the eye are liga- 
tured, and the drug will not act when locally applied, although it 
would before and will now, when thrown into general circulation, 
it shows that its action is central, and that it acts when dropped 
into the eye because some of it is absorbed. If it has been 
proved by these means to act centrally, the further investigation 
is difficult, for the central mechanism is complex. 

If it has been proved to act locally, it may act either on the 
muscular fibres of the iris, on the terminations of the third nerve 
in them, or on the terminations of the cervical sympathetic in 
them. Stimulation of the third nerve causes the pupil to con- 
tract; section of it causes the pupil to dilate. Stimulation of the 
sympathetic causes the pupil to dilate ; section of it causes the 
pupil to contract. If the pupil is dilated by the local action of 
a drug, and stimulation of the third nerve will not cause it to 
contract, but yet the muscle is responsive to mechanical stimula- 
tion, it shows that the endings of the third nerve are paralyzed. 
If the pupil is contracted by the drug, and, although responsive 
to mechanical stimulation, will not dilate when the third nerve is 
cut, it shows that the ends of the third nerve are stimulated. If 
a drug locally dilates the pupil, but not as powerfully as stimula- 
tion of the sympathetic, it is clear that its whole effect is not due 
to a stimulation of the sympathetic ; and if the muscle remains 
locally irritable, the third nerve ending must be paralyzed. A 
series of similar experiments may be made with regard to the 
sympathetic. By these means the mode of action of many drugs 
has been made out, but often they act both on the sympathetic 
and the third nerve. In the following list they will be classified 
under their main actions : 

Mydriatics {dilate the pupil*) — 

A. Paralyze the termination of the third nerve. 



(r) Atropine. 

(2) Homatropine. 

(3) Daturine. 

(4) Hyoscyamine. 

(5) Coniine. 



(6) Gelsemine. 

(7) Muscarine. 

(8) Hydrocyanic Acid. I ( pro ~ 

(9) Aconite. | bab1 ^ 
(10) Amyl nitrite. J 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 107 

B. Stimulate the terminations of the syi?ipathetic. — Cocaine. 

C. Act centrally. — Anaesthetics (late in their action). 

Myotics (contract the pupil). 

A. Stimulate the terminations of the third nerve. — Physostigmine, 
pilocarpine, nicotine (probably). 

B. Act centrally . — Anaesthetics (early in their action), Opium. 

Therapeutics. — Dilators of the pupils, especially atropine 
and homatropine, are used to dilate the pupil for ophthalmoscopic 
examination, and to prevent or break down adhesions of the iris. 
Contractors of the pupil, especially physostigmine, are used to 
overcome the effects of atropine, [to prevent or break down 
adhesions of the iris], and to prevent too much light entering 
the eye in painful diseases of it. 

2. Drugs acting on the Ciliary Muscle. — The following 
drugs impair or paralyze accommodation : 



(i) Atropine. 

(2) Daturine. 

(3) Hyoscyamine. 

(4) Homatropine. 

(5) Cocaine. 



(6) Physostigmine. 

(7) Pilocarpine. 

(8) Gelsemine. 

(9) Coniine. 



Intra-ocular tension is increased by atropine (large doses), 
hyoscyamine, and daturine. It is decreased by cocaine and 
physostigmine. 

Gelsemine paralyzes the external ocular muscles, especially 
the elevator palpebral and the external rectus, by its action on the 
terminal nerve filaments. 

Cocaine, [by] stimulating the unstriped fibres in the orbital 
membrane and the eyelids, causes the eye to protrude. Coniine 
produces ptosis [when given in large doses]. 

The capacity for seeing blue is increased by strychnine. San- 
tonin causes first violet, then yellow vision. 

H. Drugs acting on the Ears. — We know very little 
about the action of drugs on them. Quinine and salicylic acid 
cause noise and buzzing. 

I. Drugs acting on the Sympathetic System. — Much 
of this subject has already been discussed when speaking of the 



108 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

action of drugs on vessels. The curious fact has been made out 
that if an animal be treated with a large dose of nicotine, or if 
this be applied locally to the superior cervical ganglion, stimula- 
tion of the nerve below the ganglion no longer produces its char- 
acteristic effects, although stimulation above the ganglion does. 

Division XL — Drugs acting on the Organs of Generation. 

A. Aphrodisiacs. — These are substances which increase 
sexual desire. There are conceivably many ways in which this 
might take place. There is a centre in the lumbar spinal cord, 
irritation of which causes erection, and this is capable of being 
excited by afferent impulses proceeding from many parts of the 
body, but especially from the cerebrum, and the genital organs 
themselves, or the parts in their immediate neighborhood. The 
lumbar centre appears to be very dependent upon the general 
health, and therefore substances which improve this are indirectly 
aphrodisiacs. 

The following drugs are known as aphrodisiacs ; their mode of action is 
not certainly known : 

(i) Strychnine. (5) Camphor. 

(2) Cantharides. (6) Phosphorus. 

(3) Alcohol. (7) Damiana. 

(4) Cannabis Indica. 

B. Anaphrodisiacs. — We do not know for certain of any 
drugs which have a depressant effect upon the lumbar centre. 
Most anaphrodisiacs act by decreasing or removing some irrita- 
tion which is reflexly producing an aphrodisiac effect, but some 
probably act centrally. 

Drugs used as anaphrodisiacs are — 
(1) Bromides. 



(2) Potassium iodide. 

(3) Opium. 

(4) Belladonna. 



(5) Hyoscyamus. 

(6) Stramonium. 

(7) Digitalis. 

(8) Purgatives. 



C. Ecbolics or Oxytocics are remedies which during or 
immediately after parturition increase uterine action. 
They are — 



(1) Ergot. 

(2) Quinine. 

(3) Savine. 



(4) Hydrastis. 

(5) Rue. 

(6) Powerful purgatives. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 109 

Of these ergot is by far the most important. Occasionally some of these 
drugs will act upon the gravid uterus to produce abortion before parturition has 
begun. They have all of them been used criminally for this purpose. 

D. Emmenagogues are substances used to increase the 
menstrual flow. Diminution of the menstrual flow is a symptom 
of so many diseases that a large number of drugs which remedy 
these are indirect emmenagogues, but the substances which seem 
to have a special action in increasing the menstrual flow are — 



(i) [Manganese dioxide. 

(2) Savine. 

(3) Rue] 

(4) Asafcetida. 

(5) [Apiol]. 



(6) Myrrh. 

(7) Guaiacum. 

(8) Cantharides. 

(9) Borax. 
(10) [Tansy]. 



Among the many indirect emmenagogues the commoner are purgatives, 
iron, cod-liver oil and strychnine, which act by improving the general health. 
Hot foot- or hip-baths, especially if mustard be added, often aid the onset of 
menstruation. 

E. Substances which depress Uterine Action. — 

These are employed to restrain the contractions of the gravid 
uterus. 

They are — 



(5) Cannabis Indica. 

(6) Chloroform. 

(7) Antimony and potassium 

tartrate. 



(1) Bromides. 

(2) Opium. 

(3 ) Chloral hydrate. 

(4) [Viburnum]. 

F. Drugs acting on the Secretion of Milk. 
Galactagogues [are] drugs which increase the secretion of 
milk. 

Pilocarpus, [Leaves of Ricinus Communis,] and Alcohol. — Of these 
pilocarpus is the most powerful, but its effects soon pass off. [The leaves of 
the castor-oil plant are used, applied as a poultice, and a decoction, or the fluid 
extract of them, given internally at the same time.] Alcohol is very feeble. 
The secretion is so much under the control of the general health that the best 
way to insure an abundant secretion is to keep the general health as good as 
possible. 

Antigalactagogues [are] drugs which decrease the secre- 
tion of milk. 

Belladonna, either given internally or applied locally, is very efficient, 
probably acting on the mammary gland as on the sweat glands. 



110 PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS. 

The following drugs, if given, are excreted by the milk, and are therefore 
taken in by the child : — Oil of anise, oil of dill, garlic, oil of turpentine, oil of 
copaiba, and probably all volatile oils, sulphur, rhubarb, senna, jalap, scani- 
mony, castor-oil, opium, iodine, indigo, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, iron, lead, 
mercury, zinc and potassium iodide. It is clear that these must be administered 
with care to the mother; for example, copaiba or turpentine will make the 
milk so [unpleasant] that the child will not take it. The above purgatives, 
given to the mother, may cause diarrhoea in the child. Opium should not be 
given in large doses to the mother. On the other hand, mercury, arsenic, and 
potassium iodide may be administered to the child by being given to her. 

Division XII. — Drugs acting on Metabolism. 

Our knowledge of the normal metabolism of the body is very 
imperfect, consequently we know very little more than has already 
been stated under other divisions, about the action of drugs on 
metabolism. Any further remarks which are necessary will be 
made when the individual drugs are considered. Two words in 
common use are alterative and tonic. 

Alterative is a vague term of which no definition can be given. It is 
often used to cloak our ignorance, when we have no exact knowledge of the 
action of a drug. Many drugs comprehended under this term have the pro- 
perty of profoundly altering the body, especially if it be diseased; for example, 
mercury will, if the patient be suffering from syphilis, generally cause the 
absorption of syphilitic exudations, but we do not know how this takes place. 
All that can be said about such drugs will be stated under each, for their mode 
of action is probably so different that no useful purpose would be served by 
considering them together. 

Tonic. — This is a term even more vague than alterative. So ill-defined 
is it that it is advisable never to use it if it can be avoided. As commonly 
employed, it means a drug which makes the patient feel in more robust health 
than he did before he took it. Obviously this may happen in many ways, such 
as, for instance, by improving the digestion or the quality of the blood. 



\AAA-aSKA— 



PHARMACOPCEIAL MATERIA MEDICA. 

[All the substances about to be described are pharmacopceial unless the con- 
trary is stated.] 



. Part I.— INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



GROUP I. 

Aqua, Hydrogenii Dioxidum. 

I. AQUA, [Water, H 2 0=: 17.96. — Natural water in its purest attainable 
state. 

Characters. — A colorless, limpid liquid, without odor or taste at ordi- 
nary temperature, and remaining odorless while being heated to boiling. 

II. AQUA DESTILLATA.— Distilled water, ^0=17.96. 
Source. — Take 1000 volumes of water, distill from a suitable apparatus 

provided with a block tin or glass condenser, reject the first 100 volumes, 
which contain volatile impurities, and preserve the next 800 in glass-stoppered 
bottles, rinsed with hot distilled, water immediately before being filled. 

Characters. — A colorless, limpid liquid, without odor or taste, and per- 
fectly neutral to litmus paper. 

Tests. — Evaporated in a clean glass capsule on a water bath, no residue 
should remain. It is not affected by Hydrogen or Ammonium Sulphide 
(absence of metallic impurities) , Ammonium Oxalate {Calcium), Silver Nitrate 
{Chlorides), Barium Chloride {Sulphates), or Mercuric Chloride {Ammonia), 
nor should its transparency be affected when mixed with twice its volume of 
Calcic Hydrate test solution (absence of Carbon Dioxide). In heating to 
boiling and acidulating with diluted Sulphuric Acid and adding a one-tenth 
of one per cent, solution of Potassium Permanganate, the color produced is 
not entirely destroyed by boiling five minutes nor by afterwards setting the 
vessel aside, well covered, for ten hours (absence of organic or other oxidizable 
matters)"]. Aqua Destillata is always to be used for making up prescriptions. 

Ill 



112 inorganic materia medica. 

Action of Water. * 

External.— An indifferent bath (88°— 9 S° F.) [31. i°- 
36.6° C], or one in which the bather feels neither hot nor cold, 
produces no particular effect. 

Cold baths increase the production of heat, and abstract heat 
from the body if they are prolonged ; therefore, at first the bodily 
temperature may rise slightly, but when the loss exceeds the pro- 
duction it falls. The amount of carbon [dioxide] expired is 
increased. The rate of the pulse and respiration at first rise, 
but they soon fall. The skin becomes pale, and the condition of 
goose-skin is seen. After the bath (the duration and tempera- 
ture suitable for different persons vary widely) there is a feeling 
of warmth and exhilaration, and the cutaneous vessels dilate, 
[reaction]. 

A warm bath, if sufficiently prolonged, may cause a slight rise 
of the bodily temperature, the skin becomes red, the pulse and 
respiration are more frequent, the amount of urine secreted is 
diminished, and after the bath there is profuse perspiration. 

Internal. — Warm water gives rise to nausea and vomiting ; 
hot water, taken in small quantities at frequent intervals, may 
check both. Water is quickly absorbed from the stomach, and 
very soon afterwards the amount of urine secreted is greatly 
increased, and to a less degree the amount of bile, pancreatic 
juice, and saliva. Large quantities of fluid should not be drunk 
during meal times, as that impairs digestion. If a considerable 
amount of water is drunk daily, the amount of urea excreted is 
increased, and that of uric acid is diminished. Water not only 
washes out the tissues, but apparently renders tissue metamor- 
phosis more complete. 

Therapeutics of Water. 
External. — Cold baths are used for the subsequent exhila- 
rating effects, which may be increased by [brisk] rubbing with a 
rough towel. Persons in whom a feeling of warmth does not 

* Unless otherwise stated, the word action will in this book always be 
taken to mean physiological action, or action in health. 



WATER. 113 

immediately follow a cold bath should not use it. The constant 
daily use of a cold bath probably diminishes the liability to catch 
cold. Cold baths are said to arrest attacks of laryngismus strid- 
ulus. They have been largely used to reduce the temperature in 
fever, especially typhoid fever. The first effect of putting the 
patient in the cold water is to cause, reflexly from the stimulation 
of the skin by the cold, an increased production of heat; for this 
reason and because of the cessation of radiation, the rectal tem- 
perature at first rises a little, but soon, owing to the direct abstrac- 
tion of heat, and to the diminished production of heat which 
quickly sets in, it falls rapidly, and continues to do so after the 
patient is taken out. The temperature of a bath for a patient 
with typhoid fever should be between 6S° and 5 8° F. [20 and 
14. 4 C] ; he should be lowered into it by a sheet, and remain in 
ten minutes, unless before that time he shows signs of collapse, 
he is then lifted back to bed, where a blanket is thrown loosely 
over him. If this treatment is adopted, the bath ought to be 
given whenever the axillary temperature is 103 F. [39. 4 C.]. 
Sometimes the patient is placed in a bath at a temperature of io° 
F. [5. 5 C] below his own, and the water is cooled by putting 
in cold water or ice, till it has fallen to about 68° F. [20 C], 
when he is taken out. [Brisk rubbing of the whole body should 
be carried out during the bath and the feet kept warm. Cold 
baths are no longer used in the treatment of typhoid fever with 
the notion that they reduce temperature. They are useful for 
the stimulation of the nervous system which they bring about to 
some degree and for the elimination of toxins in the urine.] 
Often, instead of having a bath, he is sponged with cold water 
as he lies in bed ; this saves trouble, but both sponging and a 
cold pack (which consists of a sheet four folds thick, wrung out 
in cold water and wrapped round the naked body for five or ten 
minutes) are inferior to a bath. Pneumonia is often treated by 
the application of cold, generally by means of ice poultices 
(pounded ice in a thin, flat, india-rubber bag), applied to the 
chest. The immediate action of very cold baths is far the best 
treatment for any sudden hyperpyrexia. 

Cold is applied locally either by cold water in Leiter's coils 



114 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

or by ice bags, in a number of conditions, with the object of 
arresting inflammation. Thus ice bags are put on the head in 
meningitis, or concussion, and on the knee-joint for acute syno- 
vitis, etc. According to most authorities, cold contracts not only 
the vessels of the skin to which it is applied, but by reflex action 
those of the organs underneath it. This explains the application 
of an ice bag to the chest to arrest pulmonary hemorrhage. Cold 
locally applied is, therefore, haemostatic. 

Warm baths, as they liquefy the fatty secretions, are more 
cleansing than cold. Hot baths, like any other application of 
heat, soothe pain; hence they are useful for rheumatoid arthritis 
and colic, whether renal, biliary or intestinal. By bringing 
blood to the skin and lessening the amount in the internal organs, 
they relieve muscular spasm, such as we find in [spasmodic] 
stricture of the urethra, colic, laryngismus stridulus, other forms 
of laryngeal spasm, and infantile convulsions. In the same way 
they are of service in weariness from muscular or cerebral activity, 
and are useful in many inflammatory affections ; as, for example, 
a cold in the head. A warm bath immediately before going to 
bed may sometimes cure insomnia. [The practice in asylums 
for the insane is to give a hot bath (104 F. ; 40 C.) as a remedy 
for sleeplessness.] The subsequent increased perspiration 
makes hot baths and hot packs of great value in the various forms 
of nephritis and in uraemia. Great care must be taken, after a 
hot bath which has been given to induce sweating, to see that 
the patient is kept warm by being wrapped quickly in a hot 
blanket and put into a warm bed ; if not, the cutaneous vessels 
soon contract, and there is no diaphoresis. A local hot bath has 
the same effects, but to a less degree. A hot foot-bath is often 
used for a cold in the head, or for amenorrhoea. Sponging with 
hot water will, by the vascular dilatation and sweating it causes, 
reduce the temperature slightly in fever. 

A cold bath is one the temperature of which is below 70 F. 
[21 C], one between 88° and 98 F. [31. i° and 36.6° C] is 
properly speaking indifferent, but it is often called a warm bath. 
A tepid bath is intermediate between warm and cold. Anything 
above 98 F. [36. 6° C] is a hot bath. Few people can bear a 
temperature much over 102 F. [38. 9 C.]. 



WATER. 115 

Internal. — The chief therapeutic use of water is to wash out 
the tissues, especially the kidneys, and to keep the urine diluted. 
Some persons who are liable to the formation of gravel or urin- 
ary calculi can, by drinking plenty of pure water, prevent their 
formation, for the minute collections of crystals which are the 
beginning of all calculi, are washed out of the urinary system 
before they have time to grow to any size, and if they are com- 
posed of uric acid, the copious drinking of water diminishes the 
liability of their formation, for it decreases the amount of uric 
acid excreted. The liability to the formation of gall-stones may 
also be kept in check by the drinking of plenty of water, [since] 
then the bile becomes less concentrated and flows more quickly. 
When large quantities of water are drunk it should be pure dis- 
tilled water, and should be taken between meals. A glass of cold 
water taken on rising in the morning will with some persons cause 
the bowels to be opened. Warm water is an emetic* 

[III. AQUA HYDROGENII DIOXIDI.— Solution of Hydrogen 
Dioxide. Synonym. — Solution of Hydrogen Peroxide. 

A slightly acid, aqueous solution of Hydrogen Dioxide (H 2 2 — 33.92), 
containing, when freshly prepared, about 3 per cent., by weight, of the pure 
Dioxide, corresponding to about ten volumes of available oxygen. 

Source. — By solution of Barium Dioxide, 300; in cold distilled water 
500, and refrigeration to 50 F. ; lo° C. Phosphoric Acid, 96; is dissolved in 
distilled water 320. The magma is added to the latter solution and thoroughly 
mixed, being kept acid by Phosphoric Acid. Filter and wash with distilled 
water. Add diluted Sulphuric Acid to the filtrate, and starch, 10 ; by agita- 
tion. Filter and re-filter until a clear solution is obtained. The bottle should 
be kept tightly corked. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, without odor, slightly acidulous to the 
taste, and producing a peculiar sensation and soapy froth in the mouth; liable 
to deteriorate by age, exposure to heat, or protracted agitation. Sp. gr. : about 
1.006 to 1. 01 2. 

Dose, 1 to 3 fl. dr. ; 4 to 12 c.c. 

Action of Hydrogen Dioxide. 
Hydrogen dioxide readily yields oxygen to all oxidizable 
substances. When taken internally it gives oxygen to the blood, 

* It is impossible in this book to give more than a brief sketch of baths 
and the drinking of water and mineral waters. Further information will be 
found in works on " General Therapeutics." 



116 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

stimulates the nervous system and increases urinary secretion. It 
is a non-poisonous antiseptic, destroying organized fermentations 
and liberating oxygen. It decomposes pus and probably destroys 
the microbes of suppuration. 

Therapeutics of Hydrogen Dioxide. 
Hydrogen dioxide seems to have a favorable action in some 
forms of dyspepsia, and to improve digestion. In diphtheria it is 
useful as a cleansing agent and to absorb false membranes, but 
should be used in glass or hard rubber instruments. Some com- 
mercial preparations are very acid, and therefore too irritating 
for this purpose. This acidity can be neutralized by adding 
twice its quantity of lime water. It will check bleeding, but from 
small vessels only. It is of great value in cleansing wounds, 
fistulous tracts, and for surgical dressings ; the cessation of froth- 
ing indicates the destruction of pus. But the converse of this is 
not true, for it will froth with perfectly normal blood. It should 
not be injected into a suppurating cavity unless there is a free 
outlet for the escape of the gas which is formed.] 



GROUP II. 

THE ALKALINE METALS. 

Potassium, Sodium, Ammonium, Lithium. 

I. POTASSIUM. 

K= [39-03- 

1. POTASS A. — KOH=55.99. Synonyms. — Potassium Hydrate. Po- 
tassium Hydroxide. Caustic Potash. 

Source. — Evaporate Liquor Potassae, fuse the residue and pour into clean 
cylindrical moulds which have been previously warmed. 

Characters. — Dry, white, translucent pencils, or fused masses, hard and 
brittle, showing a crystalline fracture; odorless, or having a faint odor of lye, 
and of a very acrid and caustic taste. Great caution is necessary in tasting and 
handling it, as it rapidly destroys organic tissues. Exposed to the air, it rapidly 
absorbs Carbon Dioxide and moisture, and deliquesces. Solubility. — In about 
0.5 part of water and in 2 parts of alcohol. 

Impurities. — Organic matter, arsenic, lead, iron, soda, aluminum, cal- 
cium, chlorides, sulphates, silicates, carbonates, and nitrates. 



THE ALKALINE METALS — POTASH. 117 

Preparations. 

i. Liquor Potassae. Solution of Potassa. Synonym. — Solution 
of Potassium Hydrate. An aqueous solution of Potassium Hydrate 
(KOH = 55.99), containing about 5 per cent, of the hydrate. 

Source. — Dissolve Potassium Bicarbonate in distilled water; 
slake Lime, dissolve in distilled water and boil, add this to the 
first solution, continue to boil, strain when cold; when it has become 
clear from subsidence, decant or siphon off the clear solution. 
K 2 C0 3 + Ca(OH) 2 = 2KOH -f CaC0 3 . Or it may be prepared from 
a solution of Potassa, 56 parts of the full strength, directed by the U. S. 
P. (90 per cent.), in distilled water (944 parts)]. 

Characters. — A clear colorless liquid, odorless, having a very 
acrid and caustic taste, and a strong alkaline reaction. Sp. gr. about 
1 .036. 

Impurities. — See Potassa. 

Incompatibles.— Acids, acid salts, metallic salts and preparations 
of ammonia, belladonna, hyoscyamus and stramonium, the alkaloids 
of these three being decomposed by caustic potash. All alkaloids are 
precipitated by alkalies. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c. c], freely diluted. 

2. Potassa cum Calce. - [Potassa with Lime. Synonyms. — 
Vienna Caustic. Vienna Paste. Potassa, 500; Lime, 500. Rubbed 
together in a warm, iron mortar. 

Characters. — A grayish-white powder, deliquescent, having a 
strongly alkaline reaction, and responding to the tests for Calcium and 
Potassium. Solubility. — In diluted hydrochloric acid without leaving 
more than a small residue.] 

Action of Potash. 

External. — It is, if concentrated, a powerful irritant and 
caustic, acting by abstracting water from the part to which it is 
applied. It dissolves fatty matters that may be present on the 
surface. It is antacid, and, if freely diluted, sedative. 

Internal. — Mouth. — As alkalies check alkaline secretions, 
potash momentarily checks the secretion of saliva. 

Stomach. — Beeause alkalies stimulate acid secretions, the flow 
of gastric juice is excited, if alkalies are given before a meal, 
but if at the end of or after a meal the gastric juice already 
secreted is neutralized. Being readily diffusible, alkalies are 
quickly absorbed. 



118 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Blood. — This is rendered more alkaline. Probably all alkalies 
circulate in the blood as carbonates, but their action as alkalizers 
of the blood is very transitory, for they are quickly excreted. The 
amount of haemoglobin, if it is deficient, is said to be increased. 

Heart. — Large amounts of salts of potassium are depressant 
to all muscular tissues, and therefore decrease the force of the 
heart, ultimately causing diastolic arrest by direct action on the 
cardiac muscle. 

Kidney. — Potassium salts are diuretic, acting directly on the 
renal epithelium. They are quickly excreted in the urine, ren- 
dering it alkaline, and thus increasing its power of holding uric 
acid in solution. 

Respiratory passages. — The bronchial secretion is increased 
in quantity, and it is rendered less viscid. 

Muscle. — The prolonged contraction produced by veratrine, 
or barium salts, is abolished by potassium salts. They are direct 
muscular depressants, and depress also the nervous system, 
especially the brain and spinal cord. 

Therapeutics of Potash. 

External. —Caustic potash is used to destroy lupus, and it 
was formerly employed to make issues. Care must be taken to 
limit its action, for it diffuses very rapidly. Liquor potassae is 
used to dissolve off the fatty matters and thoroughly cleanse the 
skin before operations, and weaker solutions of it are employed 
to remove the epidermis in certain chronic skin diseases. A 40 
per cent, solution is recommended to remove an ingrowing toe- 
nail, which is painted with the fluid, and in a few seconds is so 
softened that much can be scraped off. The procedure is 
repeated till the nail that remains is sufficiently thin to be removed 
with a pair of fine scissors. Dilute solutions, acting as sedatives, 
relieve itching. 

Internal. — To obtain the effects of alkalies upon internal 
organs, potassium bicarbonate, citrate and acetate are prefer- 
able to potash, for that is apt to irritate the stomach ; but it is 
occasionally used in small doses as a gastric sedative for dyspepsia. 

Toxicology. — See Soda, p. 132. 



THE ALKALINE METALS — POTASH. 119 

2. POTASSII CARBONAS.— [Potassium Carbonate. K 2 C0 3 = 
I 37*9 I Synonym. — Salts of Tartar. 

Source. — Pearlash, which is a product of the lixiviation of wood ashes, 
is treated with water, which dissolves little but potassium carbonate, and the 
solution is evaporated. 

Characters. — A white, [granular powder, odorless, having a very strong 
alkaline taste; very deliquescent. Solubility. — In i.i parts of water, and in 
0.65 part of boiling water; insoluble in alcohol. 

Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides, nitrates, cyanides, earthy and metallic 
matters. 

Potassium Carbonate is zised in preparing Mistura Ferri Composita, 
Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis (in which Ferrous Carbonate is formed), and Potassa 
Sulphurata. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Potassium Carbonate. 

These are the same as those of potash ; but the carbonate is 
less caustic. 

3. POTASSII BICARBONAS.— [Potassium Bicarbonate. KHC0 3 
= 99.88. 

Source. — Pass Carbon Dioxide] through a solution of Potassium Car- 
bonate, and let the bicarbonate crystallize out. K 2 C0 3 -f- C0 2 -f- H 2 = 
2KHCO3. 

Characters. — [Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, odorless, and 
having a saline and slightly alkaline taste. Permanent in the air. Solubility. 
— In 3.2 parts of water; almost insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — The carbonate, chlorides, and iron. 

Potassium Bicarbonate is used in preparing Liquor Potassii Arsenitis, 
Liquor Potassii Citratis, and Potassii Citras Effervescens. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action of Potassium Bicarbonate. 

Potassium bicarbonate is too feebly caustic to be of any use 
for this purpose. Otherwise its actions are those of potash. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Bicarbonate. 

Stomach. — Potassium bicarbonate may be given before meals 
to stimulate the flow of gastric juice ; and as it is a gastric seda- 
tive, it is useful in painful dyspepsia accompanied by a scanty 
secretion of gastric juice. It may be taken after meals if too 



120 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

much acid is secreted, and the patient suffers from acid eructa- 
tions, especially if pain be present also ; but it is better treat- 
ment to remove the cause of the dyspepsia. It is not a common 
remedy for dyspepsia, sodium bicarbonate being usually preferred. 
It should not be used as an alkali in cases of poisoning by min- 
eral acids, because of the evolution of carbon [dioxide.] 

Blood — Potassium bicarbonate circulates in the blood as the 
carbonate. It was formerly much used in rheumatic fever, but 
is now superseded by the salicylates. Probably it did no good. 
In gout it is given to keep the blood thoroughly alkaline, and 
thus to dissolve the uric acid which is in excess in the plasma. 
Many of the mineral waters useful for gout owe part of the effi- 
cacy to their potassium salts. It is believed to be haematinic, 
that is to say, it is thought to increase the amount of haemoglobin ; 
but as for this purpose it is usually given with iron, its haematinic 
power has not yet been proved. 

Kidneys. — It is not much used for its diuretic effect and its 
alkalizing power over the urine, as the vegetable salts are prefer- 
able. 

4. POTASSII ACET AS.— [Potassium Acetate. KC 2 H 3 2 =97.89. 

Source. — Add Acetic Acid in excess to Potassium Carbonate or Bicarbon- 
ate. Evaporate to dryness and fuse the residue. K 2 C0 3 -f- 2HC 2 H 3 2 = 
2KC 2 H 3 2 -\- H 2 + CO.. Or, if the bicarbonate, which is preferable, is 
used, KHC0 3 + HC 2 H 3 2 == KC 2 H 3 2 + H 2 + C0 2 . 

Characters. — A white powder or crystalline masses of a satiny lustre, 
odorless and having a warming saline taste ; very deliquescent. Solubility. — 
In 0.36 part of water, and 1.9 parts of Alcohol. 

Impurities. — The carbonate and metallic impurities. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 

5. POTASSII CITR AS.— [Potassium Citrate. K 3 C 6 H 6 7 + H 2 = 
323.59. 

Source. — Neutralize Potassium Carbonate with a solution of Citric 
Acid, and evaporate to dryness. 3K 2 C0 3 -f- 2H 3 C 6 H 5 7 = 2K 3 C 6 H 5 7 -(- 
3 H 2 + 3 C0 2 . 

Characters. — Transparent, prismatic crystals or a white, granular pow- 
der, odorless and having a cooling, saline taste. Deliquescent on exposure to 
the air. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water; sparingly in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Cnrbonates, chlorides, and tartrates. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 



THE ALKALINE METALS — POTASH. 121 

Preparation. 

Liquor Potassii Citratis. — Solution of Potassium Cirate. Syn- 
onym. — Mistura Potassii Citratis. Citric Acid, 6; Potassium Bicarbon- 
ate, 8; water to ioq. The acid and the bicarbonate are dissolved 
separately and the solutions mixed. It contains about 9 per cent, of 
anhydrous Potassium Citrate. 

Dose, 1 to 8 fl. dr. ; 4. to 30. c.c 

6. POTASSII CITRAS EFFERVESCENS.— Effervescent Potas- 
sium Citrate. Citric Acid, 63 ; Potassium Bicarbonate, 90 ; Sugar, 47. 

Source. — Powder the ingredients separately, and mix them thoroughly 
in a warm mortar. Dry the resulting, uniform paste rapidly, and, when it is per- 
fectly dry, reduce it to a powder of the desired degree of fineness. H 3 C 6 H 5 7 
+3KHC0 8 +H 2 0==K,q a H 6 O t 4. 3 C0 2 +4H 1 0. 

Characters. — A fine, white powder, odorless, and having a sweetish, 
saline taste. Solubility. — Completely in water, with effervescence. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gra.] 

Action of Potassium Citrate and Acetate. 

External. — No action. Being neutral, they are not even 
antacid. 

Internal. — These are the least irritating to the stomach of 
all potassium salts ; being neutral, they have no action on gastric 
juice. They circulate as potassium carbonate. Both are more 
powerfully diuretic than any other potassium salts, and act by 
directly stimulating the renal cells. They are diaphoretic, 
especially the citrate ; but neither of them causes a great increase 
of the perspiratiou. How they produce this effect is not certainly 
known. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Citrate and Acetate. 

As neither impair digestion, they are chiefly used for remote 
effects. 

Blood. — They have been largely given for rheumatic fever, 
but are not now employed. Both salts are of great value in gout, 
for they keep in solution the excess of uric acid in the plasma. 
They are powerfully antiscorbutic ; that is to say, they prevent 
scurvy; but they are not so efficacious as lemon-juice, lime juice, 
and fresh vegetables. 

Kidneys. — Although in health the diuresis produced by the 



122 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

potassium citrate and acetate is slight, and the urea and other 
solids of the urine are actually decreased, yet clinical experience 
points clearly to the fact that both these salts are, in chronic 
Bright' s disease, powerful diuretics. They are frequently used 
in this disease and in feverish conditions, and also to increase the 
amount of urine, and thus to remove pathological fluids in cases 
of pleuritic effusion, ascites, etc. 

They render the urine alkaline, and are much employed for 
this purpose, having the advantage over other potassium salts that 
they do not derange digestion. Not only do they prevent the 
precipitation of uric acid, and thus hinder the formation of uric 
acid gravel, but they will dissolve small uric acid calculi. 
Roberts states that to keep the urine at the alkalinity necessary 
for this purpose, 40 to 60 gr. [2.50 to 4.00 gm.] of the acetate 
cr citrate should be dissolved in four ounces [120. c.c] of water, 
and taken every four hours. If more than this is used, harm is 
done ; for an insoluble biurate forms on the surface of the 
calculus. Owing to the depressing action of potassium salts, 
they should be used with care in persons suffering from heart 
disease. 

Skin. — Both these salts may be used in slight pyrexia, such 
as that of a common cold, on account of their diaphoretic 
properties. 

Lungs. — These salts, like the carbonates and bicarbonates, are 
mild saline expectorants, especially suitable for cases of bronchitis 
with viscid, scanty expectoration, as they increase the secretion 
and lessen the viscidity. The iodide is, however, still more effica- 
cious. 

7. POTASSII SULPHAS.- [Potassium Sulphate. K 2 S0 4 =i73.88. 

Source. — Add Potassium Carbonate to Acid Potassium Sulphate, which 
is a bye product of the manufacture of Nitric Acid. K 2 C0 3 -f-2KHS0 4= 
2K 2 S0 4 +C0 2 +H 2 0. 

Characters; — Hard, colorless, transparent, six-sided, rhombic prisms 
terminated by pyramids, or a white powder, odorless, and having a somewhat 
bitter, saline taste. Solubility. — In 9.5 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Sodium, arsenic, lead, copper, zinc, iron, aluminum, cal- 
cium, magnesia and chlorides. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 4 dr. ; 2. to 15. gm. 



THE ALKALINE METALS — POTASH. 123 

8. POTASSII BITARTRAS. — Potassium Bitarlrate. KH 4 C 4 H0 6 
= 187.67. Synonyms. — Acid Potassium Tartrate. Cream of Tartar. 

Source. — Obtained from crude Tartar (argol) deposited on the sides of 
wine casks during the fermentation of grape juice, and purified by boiling 
water, filtration through charcoal and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless or slightly opaque rhombic crystals; or a fine, 
white, somewhat gritty powder, odorless, and having a pleasant, acidulous 
taste. Solubility. — In 201 parts of water; very sparingly soluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Calcium tartrate, copper, lead, and iron. 

Potassium Bitartrate is contained in Pulvis Jalap;e Compositus.] 

Dose, 20 to 60 gr. ; [1.20 to 4.00 gm.] (diuretic and refrigerant); y^ to 
4 dr.; [2. to 15. gm. ;] (purgative). 

Action of Potassium Bitartrate and Sulphate. 

External. — One of these being only slightly acid and the 
other neutral, they have none of the external caustic or antacid 
properties of other potassium salts. 

Internal. — Intestines. — Both salts are typical hydragogue 
saline purges, producing easy, soft, watery motions without 
griping. They abstract fluid from the blood, and cause it to be 
poured into the intestine. Their mode of action has already 
been fully described {see p 89). 

Liver. — Potassium sulphate is a moderate cholagogue, 
slightly increasing the biliary flow. 

Kidney. — The bitartrate is diuretic, because a small 
amount of it is, in the intestine, converted into a carbonate and 
absorbed, and this acts directly on the renal cells. Hence it 
renders the urine alkaline. But all the sulphate and most of 
the bitartrate is excreted with the faeces, and if, as seems proba- 
ble, some is absorbed by the small intestine in the form in which 
it is taken, it is excreted again into the colon. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Bitartrate and Sulphate. 

Internal. — Intestines. — These excellent purgatives are fre- 
quently used, especially for habitual sluggishness of the bowels. 
A dose should be dissolved in a tumbler of warm water, and 
sipped during dressing. They may be employed to open the 
bowels in cases, such as dropsy or uraemia, in which we wish to 



124 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

eliminate as much fluid as possible. They should for this pur- 
pose be given in a concentrated form, for then a large amount 
of fluid will be secreted from the intestine to bring the solution 
of the salt to that degree of dilution at which it will act. Com- 
pound jalap powder [which contains potassium bitartrate] is also 
much used for this class of cases. The sulphate having some 
cholagogue action, is to be preferred when it is believed that the 
liver is at fault. 

Kidney. — The bitartrate is sometimes used as a diuretic in 
the same class of cases as the acetate- and citrate. 

9. POTASSII NITRAS.— [Potassium Nitrate. KNO s = 100.92. 

Synonyms. — Nitre. Saltpetre. 

Source. — Purified native Saltpetre. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, six-sided rhombic prisms or a crys- 
talline powder, odorless, and having a cooling, saline and pungent taste. 
Solubility. — In 3.8 parts of water; very sparingly soluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides and lime, and the metals. 

Potassiu??i Nitrate is used to prepare Argenti Nitras Dilutus. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparation. 
Charta Potassii Nitratis. — Potassium Nitrate Paper. Potassium 
Nitrate, 200; distilled water, 800. Dissolve the Potassium Nitrate in 
the Distilled Water. Immerse strips of white, unsized paper in the 
solution, and dry them.] 

Action of Potassium Nitrate. 

External. — Nothing noteworthy. 

Internal. — Stomach and Intestines. — It is liable to cause 
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, symptomatic of the gastritis and 
enteritis produced by it. 

Blood. — Owing to its high diffusion power it quickly passes 
into the blood unchanged. External to the body, nitrates pre- 
vent the coagulation of the blood, or dissolve the clot if it be 
already formed ; but it is not known that they have any effect on 
the blood in the body. 

Heart. — Potassium nitrate is a powerful cardiac depressant, 
causing the beats to become feeble and fewer. Large doses lead 
to great weakness, fainting, and death. 



THE ALKALINE METALS — POTASH. 125 

Kidneys. — Small doses are diuretic from their direct action 
on the renal cells, but large ones are liable to inflame the urinary 
passages, causing hematuria. The drug is excreted unchanged 
in the urine. 

Skin. — Potassium nitrate is a mild diaphoretic. 

Lungs. — Large doses retard respiration and tend to paralyze 
unstriped muscular fibre. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Nitrate. 
Internal. —Blood. — On account of its supposed action in 
preventing the coagulation of the living blood, it has been used 
in rheumatic fever and many inflammatory conditions, but it is 
now discarded. Probably, as it is a cardiac depressant, it only 
does harm 

Kidneys and Skin. — It is sometimes employed as a diuretic 
and diaphoretic in febrile conditions, but the acetate and the 
citrate are much preferable. 

A sthma. -^-[Potassium nitrate is an anti-spasmodic for the rea- 
son given above.] For the treatment of this symptom, potassium 
nitrate paper, in pieces about i^ inches [4. cm.] square, is 
lighted, one at a time, and the patient inhales the fumes. Ringer 
considers it better to dip the paper also into a solution of potas- 
sium chlorate, and to burn a piece large enough to fill a whole 
room with the fumes. This treatment often relieves. 

10. POTASSII CHLORAS.- [Potassium Chlorate. KC10 3 =i 22.28. 

Source. — Pass Chlorine into a mixture of Potassium Carbonate and 

Slaked Lime ; then treat the result in boiling water and separate the Chlorate 

by recrystallization. K 2 C0 3 - r -6Ca(0H) 2 - r -6Cl 2 ^2KC10 3 +5CaC] 2 +CaCO3 

+6H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, lustrous monoclinic prisms or plates, or a white 
powder, odorless and having a cooling, saline taste. Easily explodes on tritu- 
ration with many substances, especially Sugar, Sulphur, Tannic Acid, Metallic 
Sulphides, Phosphorus, Charcoal, and Glycerin. Solubility. — In 16.7 parts of 
water ; insoluble in absolute Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Calcium chloride and lime. 
Dose, 3 to 20 gr.; .20 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparation. 
Trochisci Potassii Chloratis. — [Troches of Potassium Chlorate. 
Potassium Chlorate, 30; Sugar, 120; Tragacanth, 6 gm.; Spirit of 



126 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Lemon, I c. c. ; water, a sufficient quantity to make ioo troches. Mix 
the Sugar with the Tragacanth and the Spirit of Lemon by trituration 
in a mortar; then transfer the mixture to a sheet of paper, and, by 
means of a bone spatula, mix with it the Potassium Chlorate, being 
careful, by avoiding trituration or pressure, to prevent the mixture from 
igniting or exploding. Lastly, with water, form a mass. Each troche 
contains 5 gr.; .30 gm.] 
Dose, 1 to 6 troches. 

Action of Potassium Chlorate. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Stomach and Litestines. — Small doses have no 
effect ; poisonous ones produce symptoms similar to those induced 
by the nitrate. 

Blood. — Here also small doses have no effect, but several 
cases of poisoning show that in large doses potassium chlorate 
disintegrates the red corpuscles, and converts haemoglobin into 
methaemcglobin. The altered blood is passed by the urine, 
which is, therefore, dark colored, and contains granular debris, 
and thus the urine is exactly like that met with in paroxysmal 
haemoglobinuria. The liver and spleen are enlarged, and the 
marrow of the bones becomes very vascular. Nephritis is in- 
duced. Death occurs from cardiac weakness. 

As potassium chlorate easily parts with its oxygen, it was sup- 
posed that it would do so in the blood, but this is not so. It is 
excreted unchanged in the urine. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Chlorate. 
This drug is used empirically for stomatitis, tonsilitis, and 
pharyngitis of all varieties, either as lozenges, gargle (1 to 50 
parts of water or decoction of cinchona), or to be swallowed in 
solution, for it is then excreted by the saliva. Its action is there- 
fore always local. It is especially valuable for ulcerative 
stomatitis. It has been given to women liable to miscarry. 

11. POTASSII PERMANGANAS, see Manganese. 

12. [POTASSII ET SODII TARTRAS, see Sodium.] 

13. POTASSII IODIDUM, see Iodine. 

14. POTASSII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

15. POTASSA SULPHURATA, see Sulphur. 






THE ALKALINE METALS — POTASH. 127 

16. POTASSII FERROCYANIDUM.— [Potassium Ferrocyanide. 
K 4 Fe(CN) 6 -|-3H 2 0=:42i.76. Synonym. — Yellow Prussiate of Potash. 

Potassium Ferrocyanide is used to prepare Acidum Hydrocyanicura 
Diluturn, and Potassii Cyanidum ; also as a test for iron, copper and zinc.] 

17. POTASSII CYANIDUM. -[Potassium Cyanide. KCN=65.oi. 
Source. — Heat in an iron crucible dried Potassium Ferrocyanide, 8 ; 

with Potassium Carbonate, 3 ; until effervescence ceases. 

Characters. — White, opaque, amorphous pieces, or a white, granular 
powder, odorless when perfectly dry, but in moist air exhales the odor of 
Hydrocyanic Acid. This salt is very poisonous. Solubility. — In about 2 
parts of water and sparingly in alcohol. 

Dose, 2V to X S T 'i ' O0 3 to - OI 5 gni. 

Preparation. 

Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum. — Diluted Hydrocyanic 
Acid. — HCN[=26>98. Synonym. — Prussic Acid. A liquid com- 
pound of 2 per cent., by weight, of absolute Hydrocyanic Acid, and 
98 per cent, of water.] 

Source.— Distil a mixture of Potassium Ferrocyanide, 20; Sulphuric 
Acid, 8; and water, 65, into distilled water. K 4 FeC 6 N 6 -|-2H 2 S0 4 =2K 2 S0 4 
-j-H 4 FeC 6 N 6 . On the application of heat the Hydroferrocyanic Acid reacts 
with the remaining Potassium Ferrocyanide and Sulphuric Acid, and 
Hydrocyanic Acid distils over. H 4 FeC 6 N 6 +K 4 FeC 6 N 6 +H 2 S0 4 =6HCN-f. 
K 2 S0 4 -{-K 2 Fe(FeC 6 N 6 ). The distillate is diluted with distilled water until the 
official strength is obtained. [Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid may also be pre- 
pared, extemporaneously, in the following manner : Mix Hydrochloric Acid, 
5, with distilled water, 55 ; add Silver Cyanide, 6, and shake the whole 
together in a glass-stoppered bottle. When the precipitate has subsided, pour 
off the clear liquid.] Scheele's Prussic Acid is a 4 or 5 per cent, solution. 

Characters. — A colorless [liquid, of a characteristic odor and taste, 
resembling that of bitter almond]. Very unstable; to preserve it best, it 
sbtould be kept in inverted blue-stoppered bottles. Old specimens may be 
inert. 

Incompatibles. — Salts of silver, copper and iron, red mercuric oxide 
and sulphides. 

Impurities. — Sulphuric and hydrochloric acids. 

Dose, 1 to 3 m.; [.06 to .20 c.c. 
Hydrocyanic acid belongs chemically to the carbon compounds, but on ac- 
count of its physiological and therapeutical relationship to Potassium Cyanide 
it is considered at this place.] 



128 inorganic materia medica. 

Action of Potassium Cyanide and Diluted Hydrocyanic 

Acid. 

External. — Hydrocyanic acid can pass through the epider- 
mis, and then it paralyzes the terminations of the sensory nerves ; 
thus it is a local anaesthetic and sedative. It is very rapidly 
absorbed from raw surfaces, and may cause poisoning if applied 
to them. [Potassium cyanide may possibly give the same re- 
sults. It also produces a dermatitis on local application to the 
epidermis.] 

Internal. — Alimentary tract. — Hydrocyanic acid is quickly 
[and potassium cyanide less rapidly] absorbed by mucuous mem- 
branes, and has the same anaesthetic and sedative effect on the 
mouth and stomach as on the skin. It must always be employed 
[well diluted]. A single drop of the pure acid placed inside the 
eye of even a moderately large animal will kill it instantly. 

Blood. — If death takes place almost immediately after the 
administration of the drug, all the blood in the body is a bright 
arterial tint ; but if death does not occur for some little time 
(within half an hour), the blood is of a dark venous color. The 
primary transitory reddening of the venous blood is due to the 
fact that the haemoglobin in it is oxidized ; we do not know the 
cause of this. The subsequent darkening of the arterial blood is 
due to the fact that it has lost its oxygen, and contains carbon 
dioxide gas ; why this should be is not certain, but probably it 
depends upon the asphyxia consequent upon the action of hydro- 
cyanic acid on the respiratory centre. If blood be shaken up 
with [hydrocyanic] acid, after some time oxyhemoglobin is con- 
verted into cyanohaemoglobin, the oxygen being turned out. 
[Hydrocyanic] acid added to drawn blood alters the shape of 
the red blood-corpuscles. Neither of these actions is seen in life, 
for sufficient [hydrocyanic] acid to cause them would kill before 
they could take place. 

Heart. — Large doses cause instantaneous diastolic arrest. 
As this is also true if the drug is applied locally, we may con- 
clude that large doses paralyze the heart directly. But [hydro- 
cyanic] acid acts also on the cardiac centre in the medulla. A 



THE ALKALINE METALS — POTASH. 129 

small dose will cause a slowing of the pulse from stimulation of 
the vagus centre, and the stoppage from larger doses is due both 
to the direct action on the heart and to that on the medulla. 

Vaso-motor system. — The vaso-motor centre in the medulla is 
first briefly stimulated, but soon profoundly paralyzed ; blood- 
pressure therefore falls very low. 

Respiration. — The respiratory centre is paralyzed even more 
readily than the cardiac or vaso-motor centres, consequently 
the respirations quickly diminish both in force and frequency. 
Unless the heart has been instantaneously stopped by a large dose, 
asphyxia is the cause of death, and the heart goes on beating 
after the respirations have stopped. Occasionally, if the dose be 
small, all three centres may be at first very transitorily stimulated, 
so that for a few seconds the pulse and respiration may be 
increased in frequency, and blood-pressure may rise. 

Nervous system. — Cerebrum. — Medicinal doses of [hydro- 
cyanic] acid have no effect on the cerebrum. Toxic doses cause 
deep insensibility and coma. In man convulsions are rarely seen ; 
in arrimals they are common. It is not known how far the coma 
and convulsions are due to the direct effect on the brain, the 
altered circulation through it, or the asphyxia. 

Peripheral nerves and muscles. — In animals dead of [hydro- 
cyanic] acid poisoning these are unexcitable. This paralyzing 
effect is due to direct action on the nerves and muscles them- 
selves, for it does not occur in the peripheral part of a limb if it 
is connected with the rest of the body only by its nerve. In this 
case, as no blood is circulating through the distal part of the 
limb, no [hydrocyanic] acid reaches it ; but if the acid be 
applied locally to the severed limb, the nerve and muscles are 
paralyzed. This explains the local anaesthetic effect of [hydro- 
cyanic] acid. 

Shortly before death the spinal cord is paralyzed. The pupil 
is dilated. We do not know of any effect of [hydrocyanic] acid 
on the kidneys, nor how it is excreted. 



130 inorganic materia medica. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Cyanide and Diluted Hydro- 
cyanic Acid. 

External. — Lotions of a strength of about i to 48 of the 
diluted acid in water are valuable for allaying itching due to any 
cause. If the skin is abraded they must not be used. 

Internal. — [Hydrocyanic acid may be administered as the 
official dilated acid, oil of bitter almond (3 to 14 per cent, of acid), 
bitter almond water, cherry laurel water (B. P.), the fluid extract, 
infusion and syrup of wild cherry, and as potassium cyanide. 
Reference should be made to each of these.] Small doses, 1 to 
2 minims [.06 to .12 c.c] of the diluted acid, are used for their 
sedative effect on the nerves of the stomach, to allay vomiting, 
and to relieve gastric pain, whatever be their cause, and often 
with good effect. A useful way of giving it is in an effervescent 
draught. [Since the effect of the remedy is transient, it should 
be given at frequent intervals.] It is a common ingredient of 
cough mixtures, for by its depressing effect on the central nervous 
system it diminishes reflex excitability, and is consequently most 
serviceable for a dry, hacking cough by means of which nothing 
is expectorated. [The uses of potassium cyanide are similar to' 
those of hydrocyanic acid.] 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — With a large dose [of hydrocyanic acid] the symptoms usually 
begin in a few seconds ; it is rare for them to be delayed more than two minutes. 
The patient is perfectly insensible ; the eyes are fixed and glistening, the pupils 
dilated, the limbs flaccid, the skin cold and clammy. The respiration is slow, 
deep and convulsive; the pulse almost imperceptible. [Hydrocyanic acid kills 
by respiratory failure.] Postmortem. — There may be an odor of [hydrocyanic] 
acid about the body, which is very livid. The fingers are clenched, the jaws 
firmly closed and there is froth at the mouth ; the eyes are fixed and glistening 
and the pupils dilated. The stomach may be a little reddened; the blood is 
very dark. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach immediately ; [the physician almost 
never has the opportunity.] If emetics are available, large doses must be 
given promptly, for every moment is important. [Vomiting may be induced 
by inserting the finger into the throat.] Give ether or brandy and 3L gr. 
[.0013 gm.] of atropine subcutaneously. Use inhalations of Ammonia and 
artificial respiration. [Cold affusions, or alternately hot and cold, may be 
available ] 



THE ALKALINE METALS — SODA. 



131 



18. POTASSII BICHROMAS.— [Potassium Bichromate. K 2 C 2 7 = 
293 78. Synonym. —Potassium Dichromate. 

Source. — Finely-ground Chrome-iron ore mixed with Potassium Carbon- 
ate is roasted in a reverberatory furnace, which causes the separation of all 
iron in the form of Ferric Oxide, and the production of Potassium Bichromate. 
Lime or chalk is added during the roasting to prevent fusion. 2FeOCr 2 3 + 
4K 2 C0 3 -j-40 2 =r ? e 2 3 -f 4K 2 Cr0 4 -f-4C0. 2 . After solution in water Sulphuric 
Acid is added, and the two salts are separated by crystallization. 2K 2 Cr0 4 -f- 
H 2 S0 4 =K 2 Cr 2 7 + K 2 SO* 4 + H 2 0. 

Characters. — Large, orange-red, transparent, triclinic prisms or four- 
sided tables, odorless, and having a bitter, metallic taste. Solubility. — In 10 
parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides and calcium. 

Dose, T L to 1 gr.; [.oo5 to .06 gm. 

Action of Potassium Bichromate. 

External. — It is an irritant caustic. 

Internal. — Its action is said to resemble that of the chlorate 
with the addition of being an expectorant. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Bichromate. 

External. — It is used as a caustic for warts, venereal ulcers 
and mucous patches. 

Internal. — It has been recommended for the treatment of 
dyspepsia and gastric ulcer in dose of from T V to \ gr., .005 to .01 
gm., and is reputed to relieve nausea, vomiting and pain. 

19. POTASSII HYPOPHOSPHIS, see Phosphorus.] 

II. SODIUM. 



Na=r23.o. 

Synonyms.- 



Caustic Soda. Sodium 



1. SODA.— [NaOHr= 39 .86. 
Hydrate. Sodium Hydroxide. 

Source. — Dissolve Sodium Carbonate in boiling distilled water. Slake 
Lime and dissolve in distilled water, adding this in small portions at a time to 
the solution of Sodium Carbonate, boil, strain when cold, set aside until clear 
and remove the clear solution. Evaporate this solution to an oily consistence 
and pour into moulds. Na 2 C0 3 +Ca(OH) 2 =2NaOH+CaC0 3 . 

Characters. — Dry, white, translucent pencils, or fused masses, showing 
a crystalline fracture, odorless, and having an acrid and caustic taste.] 

Impurities. — Lime, s^phates, chlorides and carbonates. 



132 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 

Liquor Sodae. — [Solution of Soda. Synonym. — Solution of 
Sodium Hydrate. 

Source. — An aqueous solution of Sodium Carbonate is boiled with 
slaked Lime. The supernatant liquid is then siphoned off. Na 2 C0 3 -j- 
Ca(OH) 2 =2NaOH+CaC0 3 . Or it may be prepared by dissolving 
Soda, 56; in distilled water, 944. The Soda must be of the full 
strength, as directed by the U. S. P. (90 percent.). 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, odorless, having a very 
acrid and caustic taste, and a strong alkaline reaction. Sp. gr., I.059. 
Strength, about 5 per cent, of the Hydrate. 

Impurities. — As of Soda. 

Incompatibles. — The same as of Potassa. (See p. 1 16). 

Dose, 5 to 20 m.; .30 to 1.20 c.c, freely diluted.] 

Action of Soda. 
It is in all respects, save one, similar in its action to potash. 
The difference is, that sodium salts are all much less depressant 
to the cardiac, muscular, and nervous systems, and therefore far 
less poisonous than potassium salts. 

Therapeutics of Soda. 
It is very little used. Potash is almost always preferred. 

Toxicology. 

Poisoning by caustic alkalies is very rare ; usually it takes place either by 
Potash, Soda, Pearlash (Potassium Carbonate), or soap lees (Sodium Carbon- 
ate). (Both the last are impure. They contain caustic Soda or Potash). 

Symptoms. — A caustic taste is experienced, and is quickly followed by 
symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation, viz. , burning heat in the throat, 
vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, together with those of depression, 
viz., a feeble, quick pulse, and a cold clammy skin. Soon the lips, tongue, 
and throat become swollen, soft and red. Post-mortem appearances. — The 
mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue, stomach and oesophagus, and occa- 
sionally that of the larynx, is excoriated, dark, softened and inflamed. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach or give emetics, as Zinc Sulphate, 
20 gr. [1.20 gm]; or powdered Ipecacuanha, 30 gr. [2.00 gm.]; or Copper 
Sulphate, 5 gr. [.30 gm.], in half a pint [240. c.c] of tepid water; or Vinum 
Ipecacuanha, fl.^j [30. c.c.]; or mustard, a tablespoonful [16. gm.] in half a 
pint [240. c.c] of water; or common salt, 2 tablespoonfuls [30. gm.] in half 
a pint [240. c.c] of tepid water; or^ gr. [.006 gm.] of apomorphine [hydro- 
chlorate] hypodermatically. If none of these are handy, give plenty of warm 



THE ALKALINE METALS — SODy\. 133 

water and tickle the back of the throat. Then give feeble acids, as diluted 
Lemon juice, diluted solution of Citric Acid, Vinegar, [or] diluted Acetic Acid. 
Then demulcents, as oil, flaxseed tea, or water and white of egg. 

2. SODII CARBONAS.— [Sodium Carbonate, Na 2 C0 3 +ioH 2 0= 
285.45. Synonyms. — Sal] Soda. Washing Soda. 

Source. — Made thus : — First stage, Sodium Chloride and Sulphuric Acid 
are heated together. 2NaCl-|-H 2 S0 4 =Na 2 S0 4 -f-2HCl. Second stage, the 
Sodium Sulphate is heated with Carbon. Na 2 S0 4 -j-4C=Na 2 S-|-4CO. Third 
stage, the Sodium Sulphide is heated with chalk. Na 2 S-f-CaC0 3= Na 2 C0 3 
4-CaS. 

[It is also made from Cryolite, a mineral found in Greenland. Cryolite 
and chalk are heated to redness, producing Calcium Fluoride and Sodium 
Aluminate; the latter is soluble in water, and is decomposed by Carbon 
Dioxide, which precipitates Aluminum Hydroxide, retaining a little Sodium 
Carbonate, while the pure Sodium Carbonate remains in solution. 

Characters. — Colorless, monoclinic crystals, odorless, and having a 
strong alkaline taste. In dry air the salt effloresces, and if left exposed soon 
loses about one-half of its water of crystallization and becomes a white powder. 
Solubility. — In 1.6 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol and in Ether ] 

Impurities. — Sulphates, chlorides [and metals. 

Soditim Carbonate is used to prepare Liquor Sodae Chloratae, Massa Ferri 
Carbonatis, and Suppositoria Glycerini. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Sodii Carbonas Exsiccatus. — Dried Sodium Carbonate. 

Source. — 200 parts of Sodium Carbonate are broken into small 
fragments, allowed to effloresce, then gently heated until it becomes a 
white powder, weighing 100 parts. 

Characters. — A loose, white powder, conforming to the tests 
and reactions given under Sodii Carbonas.] 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Carbonate and the 
Dried Carbonate. 

The same as those of soda, except that the carbonate is less 
caustic. [A one per cent, solution of sodium carbonate is used 
for boiling surgical instruments in the process of sterilization in 
order to prevent their rusting]. 

3. SODII BICARBON AS. —[Sodium Bicarbonate. 
85- Synony?ns. — Baking Soda, Sodium Sesquicarbonate. Soda. 



134 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Source. — Made from the Carbonate in the same way as the Potassium 
Bicarbonate is made. Na 2 C0 3 -f-C0 2 -f-H 2 0=2NaHC0 3 . Or by treating 
Sodium Chloride at the same time with Ammonia gas and Carbon Dioxide. 
NaCl+NH 8 +C0 2 +H 2 0=NaHC0 8 +NH 4 Cl. 

Characters. — A white opaque powder, odorless, and having a cooling 
mildly alkaline taste. 

Solubility. — In 1 1.3 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol and Ether. 

Impurity. — The carbonate. 

Incompatibles. — It is decomposed by acids and acid salts, e. g., Bismuth 
Subnitrate. 

Sodium Bicarbonate is used to prepare Mistura Rhei et Sodse, Ferri Car- 
bonas Saccharatus, and Pulvis Effervescens Compositus. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Trochisci Sodii Bicarbonatis. — Troches of Sodium Bicarbonate. 
Sodium Bicarbonate, 20; Sugar, 60; Nutmeg, 1 gm. ; Mucilage of 
Tragacanth, a sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. Triturate the 
Nutmeg with the Sugar, gradually added, until they are reduced to a 
fine powder, and mix this intimately with the Sodium Bicarbonate ; 
then with the Mucilage of Tragacanth, form a mass. Each troche 
contains 3 gr. ; .20 gm., of Sodium Bicarbonate.] 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches. 

Action of Sodium Bicarbonate. 

The same as that of potassium bicarbonate, except that it is 
much more slowly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract, 
and like all sodium salts it is only feebly depressant. 

Therapeutics of Sodium Bicarbonate. 

External. — A lotion of 7 gr. [.50 gm.] to 1 fl. oz. [30. c. c] 
of water is employed as a sedative to relieve itching. [Either in 
saturated solution or as a fine powder sodium bicarbonate locally 
applied is the best remedy to relieve the pain from burns. Of 
late it has been strongly recommended to be used for packing 
to prevent pain after operations upon the vagina]. 

Internal. — Stomach. — Its use in disease is very similar to 
that of the corresponding potassium salt, but on account of the 
two differences just mentioned, it is much more frequently given. 
Hence it is a very common ingredient of medicines designed to 






THE ALKALINE METALS— SODA. 135 

relieve dyspepsia, being taken at or a little before meals to 
increase the flow of gastric juice, or some time afterwards to 
neutralize excessive acidity in the class of cases in which the 
patient complains of heartburn and acid eructations. Its value 
is also partly due to its sedative action on the gastric nerves, 
whereby it relieves gastric pain, and partly also to its power of 
liquefying tenacious mucus. A very favorite gastric sedative 
mixture consists of about 10 gr. [.60 gm.] of sodium bicarbonate, 
together with the same quantity of bismuth subcarbonate, sus- 
pended in mucilage. A grain or two [.06 to .12 gm.] of sodium 
bicarbonate with a grain [.06 gm.] of powdered rhubarb and 
some sugar, forms a common stomachic powder for children. 
Sodium bicarbonate and gentian are also often combined together 
in stomachic mixtures. 

It is so slowly absorbed, and is, in comparison with potas- 
sium salts, so poor a solvent of uric acid, that it is rarely used for 
any effects it may have after absorption. 

4. SODII PHOSPH AS.— [Sodium Phosphate. No 2 HP0 4 -f I2H 2 
=357.32. Synonym. — Sodium Orthophosphate. 

Source. — Digest Bone Ash with Sulphuric Acid; Acid Calcium Phos- 
phate is formed. Ca 3 (P0 4 ) 2 -f 2H 2 S0 4 =CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 + 2CaS0 4 . Filter 
and add Sodium Carbonate to the solution. CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 -f-Na 2 C0 3 =Na 2 
HP0 4 -f H 2 0+C0 2 +CaHP0 4 . The filtrate requires to be evaporated and the 
salt is obtained by crystallization. 

Characters. — Large, colorless, monoclinic prisms, odorless, and having 
a cooling saline taste. The crystals effloresce on exposure to the air, and 
gradually lose 5 molecules of their water of crystallization. Solubility. — In 5 
parts of water.] 

Impurities. — Lime phosphate [sulphates and carbonates. 

Sodium Phosphate is used to prepare Ferri Phosphas Solubilis. 

Dose, 5 gr. to 1 oz. ; .30 to 30. gm.] 

5. SODII SULPHAS.— Sodium Sulphate. Na 2 S0 4 -h [ioH 2 0= 
321.42.] 

Synonym. — Glauber's Salt. 

Source. — Neutralize with Sodium Carbonate, the residue left in the 
manufacture of Hydrochloric Acid from Salt. 2NaHS0 4 4-Na 2 C0 3 =2Na 2 
S0 4 -fC0 2 -r-H 2 0. 

Characters. — Large, colorless, transparent [monoclinic prisms, odorless 
and having a bitter, saline taste, efflorescing on exposure to air, and losing all 
of their water of crystallization.]. Solubility. — In 3 parts cf water. 



23C 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Impurities. — Ammonium and Iron salts. 
Dose, i to 8 dr. [4. to 30. gm. 

6. POTASSII ET SODIITARTRAS— Potassium and Sodium Tar- 
trate. [KNaC 4 H 4 6 +4H a O=258.5i. Synonyms.— Rochelle Salt. Tartrated 
Soda. 

Source. — Add Acid Potassium Tartrate to a hot solution of Sodium Car- 
bonate. 2 KHC 4 H 4 6 +Na 2 C0 3 =2KNaC 4 H 4 6 +H 2 0+C0 2 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, rhombic prisms, or a white pow- 
der, odorless, and having a cooling saline taste. The crystals are slightly 
efflorescent. Solubility. — In two parts of cold water. 

Impurity. — Acid Potassium Tartrate. 

Dose, X to x oz - > 8- to 3°- £ m - (purgative) 30 to 60 gr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 
(diuretic). 

Preparation. 

Pulvis Effervescens Compositus. — Compound Effervescing 
Powder. Synonym. — Seidlitz Powder. Take Potassium and Sodium 
Tartrate, 93 gm., and Sodium Bicarbonate, 31 gm. ; mix, divide into 
twelve equal parts, and wrap each part in a separate paper of some pro- 
nounced color, as blue. Tartaric Acid, 27 gm., divided into twelve 
equal parts, and wrap each part in a separate paper of a color distinctly 
different from that used for wrapping the mixture, as white.] 

Dose. — Dissolve the powder in the blue paper in nearly half a 
pint [240. c.c] of cold or warm water, and then add that in the white 
paper, and drink while effervescing. 

Action of Sodium Sulphate and Phosphate, and of 
Potassium and Sodium Tartrate. 

Internal — Intestines. — Owing to the slowness with which, 
compared to the corresponding potassium salts, these sodium 
salts are absorbed, they pass on into the intestines and there act 
more efficiently than potassium salts. They are typical saline 
purgatives, abstracting fluid from the blood until they form a 
5 per cent, solution, and then exerting a painless laxative effect, 
produce a soft motion about two or three hours after administra- 
tion (see p. 89). The sulphate, which is the most active purga- 
tive, and the phosphate are mild cholagogues. 

Blood and Kidneys. — Owing to their tardy absorption the 
action of these salines, as alkalizers of the blood and urine and 
as diuretics, is more feeble than that of the corresponding potas- 
sium salts. 



the alkaline metals — soda. 137 

Therapeutics of Sodium Sulphate and Phosphate, and of 
Potassium and Sodium Tartrate. 

Internal. — Intestines. — These salts of sodium are some of 
the best purgatives we possess, being especially useful for habitual 
constipation, and for constipation associated with gout, with 
hepatic dyspepsia, or with any of the manifestations of an excess 
of uric acid in the blood or the urine. The best way to take 
them is to dissolve the required amount in half a tumbler of 
lukewarm water, and to drink it in successive small draughts 
while dressing in the morning. The bowels are then usually 
comfortably opened soon after breakfast. These salts, especially 
the phosphate and sulphate, are also cholagogues ; these two are 
therefore to be preferred in cases of disease of the liver. The 
sulphate is the most powerful purgative of all. It is the chief 
constituent of Carlsbad, Marienbad, Tarasp, Villacabras and 
[Rubinat] Condal waters, and it occurs associated with much 
magnesium sulphate in ./Esculap, Hunyadi Janos, Seidlitz, Pullna, 
Friedrichshall, and Kissingen waters. A powder consisting of 30 
gr. [2. gm.] of each of sodium sulphate and magnesium sul- 
phate and a grain [.06 gm.] of sodium chloride and sodium bi- 
carbonate (dose 1 to 4 dr.); [4. — 15. gm.] forms when dissolved 
a good imitation of ^Esculap, Hunyadi Janos, and Franz Joseph 
waters. The phosphate is a milder and less unpleasant purgative 
than the others; it is often given to children. The effervescing 
preparation [Seidlitz Powder] is a palatable form. If large doses 
are used, the evacuations are very watery, and therefore these 
drugs are useful to remove fluid in cases of dropsy or ascites 
(especially if due to disease of the liver). 

7. SODII CHLORIDUM.— Sodium Chloride. NaCl [= 58.37.] 
Synonym. — Common Salt. 

Source. — Occurs native. 

Characters. — [Colorless, transparent, cubical crystals, or a white, crys- 
talline powder, odorless, and having a purely saline taste. Solubility.— -In 2.8 
parts of water; almost insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurity. — Potassium Chloride.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 



138 inorganic materia medica. 

Action of Sodium Chloride. 

Common salt forms an article of diet with all creatures living 
on vegetable food, especially if it contains large amounts of 
potassium, but is not used either by carnivorous animals or by 
tribes living solely on flesh. The importance of it is seen in the 
long distances herbivorous animals will wander to salt licks, and 
by the fact that tribes living on vegetables will go to war for the 
possession of it. Bunge's explanation of this desire for salt is as 
follows : Blood plasma contains much sodium chloride, vegetable 
foods contain a large amount of potassium salts ; when, therefore, 
these salts of potassium reach the blood, potassium chloride and 
the sodium salt of the acid which was combined with the potas- 
sium are formed. This and the potassium chloride are excreted 
by the kidneys, and the blood loses its sodium chloride, which 
loss is therefore made up by taking sodium chloride with the 
food. The deprivation of salt leads to general weakness, oedema 
and anaemia, a series of symptoms often seen in France before 
the repeal of the salt tax. Quantities of a tablespoonful [15. 
gm.] and upwards act as an emetic, and may also purge. Rectal 
injections of solutions of salt [by removing mucus may make the 
rectum unfit for the habitation of] the Oxyuris vermicularis. 

Therapeutics of Sodium Chloride. 
It is occasionally used as an emetic, also as an anthelmintic. 
Bathing in sea water acts as a mild general stimulant. 

8. SODII SULPHIS.— [Sodium Sulphite. Na 2 S0 8 +7H 2 0=25i.58. 
Source. — Suturate a solution of Sodium Carbonate or Caustic Soda with 

Sulphur Dioxide gas. Na 2 C0 3 +S0 2 =Na 2 S0 3 -f C0 2 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms; odorless, and 
having a cooling, saline, sulphurous taste; efflorescent in air. Solubility. — In 
4 parts of water. 

Impurities. — Sulphates and chlorides.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr.; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

9. [SODII BISULPHIS.— Sodium Bisulphite. NaHS0 3 =ic>3.86. 
Source. — From Sodium Carbonate or Bicarbonate and Sulphur Dioxide 

gas. NaHC0 3 +S0 2 ==NaHS0 3 4-C0 2 . Solubility.— In 4 parts of water; 
and in 72 parts of Alcohol. 






THE ALKALINE METALS— SODA. 139 

Characters. — Opaque, prismatic crystals, or agranular powder, exhaling 
an odor of Sulphur Dioxide, and having a disagreeable, sulphurous taste. 
Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

10. SODII HYPOSULPHIS.— Sodium Hyposulphite. Na 2 S 2 3 -f- 
5H 2 0=247.64. Synonym. — Sodium Thiosulphate. 

Source,, — From Sodium Bisulphate in solution with Metallic Zinc. 3Na 
HS0 3 4-Zn=NaHSO 3 +Na 2 S 2 O 3 +ZnO 2 -f-H 2 O. Or pass Sulphurous Anhy- 
dride into a solution of Soda (or Sodium Carbonate) with Sulphur. S0 2 -(-2Na 
(OH)-f-S=Na 2 S 2 3 -fH 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, odorless and 
having a cooling, afterwards bitter taste. Solubility. — In 0.65 part of water; 
nsoluble in Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Sulphite, Bisulphite 
and Hyposulphite. 

Sodium sulphite is, in the stomach, decomposed by the acids 
there, and gives off sulphurous anhydride. It may, therefore, be 
given to arrest fermentation. No other action of these salts is 
known. If any remains undecomposed, it is absorbed as a sul- 
phite. They are very rarely given in medicine, but in sufficient 
doses might produce the effects of sodium sulphate. 

11. SODII BROMIDUM,, see Bromine. 

12. SODII IODIDUM, see Iodine. 

13. SODII HYPOPHOSPHIS, see Phosphorus. 

14. SODII ARSENAS, see Arsenic. 

15. SODII SULPHOCARBOLAS, see Acidum Garbolicum. 

16. SODII NITRAS.— [Sodium Nitrate. NaN0 3 =84.8 9 . 
Source. — Imported from Chili and Peru. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, rhombohedral crystals, odorless, 
having a cooling, saline and slightly bitter taste. Deliquescent in moist air. 
Solubility. — In 1.3 parts of water; soluble in 100 parts of Alcohol. 

Sodium Nitrate is used for preparing Sodium Arsenate. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 oz.; 15. to 30. gm. 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Nitrate. 
Sodium nitrate, in moderate doses, does not directly lessen 
the force or frequency of the pulse, nor lower the animal temper- 
ature, nor decrease the elimination of urea; the large doses acting 
as a purgative, it may produce these effects. It is somewhat 



140 • INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

diuretic, but its chief medicinal virtue is that of a mild purga- 
tive.] 

17. SODII ACETAS.— [Sodium Acetate. NaC 2 H 3 2 -f 31^0=135,74. 
Source. — From Sodium Carbonate and Acetic Acid. Na 2 C0 3 -j-2HC 2 

H 3 2 =2NaC 2 H 3 2 +H 2 0- r -C0 2 . By evaporation to crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a granular, 
crystalline powder, odorless, and having a cooling saline taste. Efflorescent 
in warm, dry air. Solubility. — In 1.4 parts of water; and in 30 parts of Al- 
cohol. 

Impurities. — Silica, metals and calcium. 

Sodium Acetate is tisedfor preparing Acetic Ether and Acetic Acid. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. ; .60 to 4.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Sodium Acetate. 
Sodium acetate is diuretic, but it is rarely used as a medicine.] 

18. SODII BENZOAS, see Acidum Benzoicum. 

19. SODII NITRIS, see Nitrites. 

20. SODII VALERIANAS [not official], see Valeriana. 

21. SODII SALICYLAS, see Acidum Salicylicum. 

22. SODII BORAS, see Acidum Boricum. 

23. [SODII CH LOR AS.— Sodium Chlorate. NaC10 3 =lo6.25. 

Source. — From Acid Sodium Tartrate and Potassium Chlorate in solu- 
tion; by filtration, evaporation and crystallization. NaHC i H 4 6 4- KC10 3 = 
NaC10 3 +KHC 4 H 4 6 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent crystals (principally regular cubes 
with tetrahedral facets), or a crystalline powder; odorless, having a cooling, 
saline taste. Solubility. — In 1. 1 parts of water ; and in 100 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Sodium Chlorate. 
Sodium chlorate has medicinal properties similar to those of 
the potassium chlorate, whilst its greater solubility permits the 
use of stronger solutions. It has recently been recommended in 
large doses for malignant diseases of the stomach. 

24. SODII PYROPHOSPH AS. —Sodium Pyrophosphate. Na 4 P 2 
7 +ioH 2 0=445.2 4 . 

Source. — From heating Sodium Phosphate. 2Na 2 HP0 4 -|-i2H 2 0=Na 4 
PA+I3H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a crystalline 
powder, odorless, having a cooling, saline and feebly alkaline taste. Solubil- 
ity. — In 12 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol. 






THE ALKALINE METALS — AMMONIA. 141 

Sodium Pyrophosphate is used to prepare Ferri Pyrophosphas Solubilis. 
Dose, y 2 to 4 dr.; 2. to 15. gm. 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Pyrophosphate. 
Sodium pyrophosphate has the same therapeutical action as 
sodium phosphate, but its principal use is in pharmacy.] 

25. SODII ETHYLAS.- [Sodium Ethylate.— NaC 2 H 5 0=67. 9 o. 
[Not official.] 

Source. — By solution of Metallic Sodium in Ethylic Alcohol and crys- 
tallization. 2Na-f2C 2 H 5 OH=2NaC 2 H 5 0+H 2 . 

Characters. — A deliquescent, caustic salt in white or whitish crystals.] 

Preparation. [B. P. not official.] 
Liquor Sodii Ethylatis, [Solution of Sodium Ethylate.] — ■ 
Sodium, 1 ; Ethylic Alcohol, 20. Characters. — A clear, syrupy liquid, 
changing to brown in keeping. [This preparation has a sp. gr. of 
0.567.] It should be freshly made when wanted. 

[Action and Uses of Sodium Ethylate. 

This is] used locally as a mild caustic to remove nsevi and 

other growths. 

III. AMMONIUM. 

NH 3 =i7.oi. 

1. AQUA AMMONITE FORTIOR.— [Stronger Ammonia Water. 
28 per cent, by weight of the gas (NH 3 — 17.01) dissolved in water. 

Source. — Generate Ammonia gas by heating Ammonium Chloride with 
Slaked Lime, and pass it into water. 2NH 4 Cl-|"Ca(OH) 2 =NH 3 +2H 2 
+CaCl 2 . 

Characters. — A colorless, transparent liquid, having an excessively 
pungent odor, and very acrid and alkaline taste and a strongly alkaline reac- 
tion.] Sp. gr. 0.901. 

Impurities. —Ammonium chloride, sulphide and sulphate. 

Dose, 3 to 6 m. ; [.20 to .40 c. c], well diluted. 

Preparation. 
[Spiritus Ammoniae. — Spirit of Ammonia. Contains 10 per cent., 
by weight, of the gas dissolved in Alcohol. 
Dose, 10 to 60 m. ; .60 to 4.00 c. c] 

2. AQUA AMMONIA. — [Ammonia Water. (10 per cent, by weight 
of the gas (NH 3 =i7.oi) dissolved in water). 

Source. — The same as for Aqua Ammoniae Fortior. 



142 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Like, but less pungent than, the stronger solution. Sp. 
gr. 0.960. 

Dose, 10 to 20 m. ; .60 to 1.20 c. c, well diluted. 

Preparations. 

1. Linimentum Ammoniae — Ammonia Liniment. Synonym. 
■ — Volatile Liniment. Ammonia Water, 350; Alcohol, 50; Cotton 
Seed Oil, 600.] 

2. Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus, see Ammonium Carbonate. 

Action of Solutions of Ammonia. 

External. — A solution of ammonia produces rubefaction 
with a sensation of heat, and, if strong, a sensation of pain and 
burning. If the vapor is confined, it causes vesication. 

Internal.; — Nose. — When inhaled, the vapor of ammonia is 
irritating to the nose and air passages, causing a pungent sensa- 
tion and sneezing. The eyes and nose water. The pulse and 
respiration are renexly accelerated. If very concentrated, 
it produces swelling and inflammation of the nose, glottis and 
respiratory tract. 

Stomach. — Like other alkalies, given before meals, ammonia 
increases the flow of gastric juice ; given after meals, it neutral- 
izes it. It dilates the gastric vessels, and produces a feeling of 
warmth in the epigastrium. It reflexly stimulates the heart and 
respiration. 

Blood. — Its action on the blood is not known ; but it is sup- 
posed to diminish its local liability to clot in cases of thrombo- 
sis, and to dissolve [a clot which has] already formed. 

Heart. — Ammonia causes a rise of blood- pressure with an in- 
creased pulse rate, due probably to stimulation of the accelerator 
mechanism. 

Respiration.— Yx. increases greatly the frequency of respira- 
tion, probably from stimulation of the respiratory centre in the 
medulla. 

Nervous system. — The brain is unaffected, and the nerves also, 
except for the tingling produced when a strong solution of 
ammonia is locally applied. The motor functions of spinal cord 
are greatly stimulated by large doses, hence the convulsions in 
animals poisoned by this drug. 



THE ALKALINE METALS — AMMONIA. 143 

Kidneys. — Ammonia and its salts are oxidized in the body, 
and the nitric acid, uric acid, and urea in the urine are increased, 
and thus the acidity of this fluid is slightly heightened. 

Therapeutics of Solutions of Ammonia. 

External. — The liniment is used as a counter-irritant in nu- 
merous conditions, such as chronic joint disease, chronic rheuma- 
tism, etc., and is often rubbed on the chest in bronchitis. Am- 
monia is a very uncertain vesicant. Weak solutions of it are 
often applied to the bites of insects. Aqua ammonise is very 
valuable when held to the nose of any one who has fainted, for it 
almost instantly reflexly produces its stimulating effect on the 
heart and respiration. 

Internal. — Ammonia in some form may be given before 
meals as a gastric stimulant in dyspepsia. Sal volatile (see below) 
is often used for this purpose, and also for its general stimulating 
effect on the cardiac, respiratory and spinal systems, especially 
in sudden collapse from any cause. [For collapse it may be used 
intravenously.] Ammonia has been injected subcutaneously in 
cases of snake-bite, [but it almost invariably produces a slough.] 

3. AMMONIICARBONAS —[Ammonium Carbonate. NH 4 HC0 3 — 
NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 =i56.77. Synonyms. — Bakers' Ammonia. Hartshorn. Sal 
Volatile. 

Source. — A mixture of Ammonium Sulphate or Chloride and Calcium 
Carbonate is subjected to sublimation and resublimation. 4NH 4 Cl~f-2CaC0 3 
=2CaCl 2 -fNH 4 HC0 3 — NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 -r-NH s -f-2H 2 0. 

Characters. — White, hard, translucent, striated masses, having a strongly 
ammoniacal odor without empyreuma, and a sharp saline taste. On exposure 
to the a : r it loses both Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide, becoming opaque, and 
is finally converted into friable, porous lumps, or a white powder. Solubility. 
— Slowly but completely in 5 parts of water.] 

Impuriiies. — Sulphates and chlorides. 

Dose, 2 to 15 gr. ; [.12 to 1.00 gm.] (Stimulant or expectorant). 

Preparation. 

Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus. — [Aromatic Spirit of Ammo- 
nia. Ammonium Carbonate, 34 ; Ammonia Water, 90; Oil of Nut- 
meg, I ; Oil of Lemon, 10 ; Alcohol, 700 ; Oil of Lavender Flowers, 
I ; water to make 1 000. Sp. gr. about 0.905.] 



114 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia is used in making Tinctura Guaiaci Am- 
moniata and Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. [2, to 8. c. c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ammonium Carbonate. 

The external and internal actions of the carbonate are the 
same as those of Aqua Ammonias. It is not used externally, but 
Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus is inhaled for its reflex effects, is 
taken as a gastric stimulant and carminative in dyspepsia, 
and as a cardiac and general stimulant in syncope, etc. 
The carbonate is, in addition, an excellent expectorant, stimu- 
lating the respiratory movements, and by its general stimulating 
effect aiding the expulsion of thick mucus. It is most used for 
bronchitis in children and the aged. It is an emetic acting 
directly on the stomach. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Liquor Ammonise and the Carbonate produce symptoms like 
other alkalies, but are more corrosive. The air-passages are often inflamed, 
and the inhalation of the vapor has been known to kill from this cause. 

Treatment as for other alkalies. See p. 132. 

4. AMMONII CHLORIDUM.— [Ammonium Chloride. NH 4 C1= 
53.38.] Synonym. — Sal Ammoniac. 

Source. — [Neutralize Gas Liquor with Sulphuric Acid, converting all to 
Ammonium Sulphate. 2NH 4 HO+H 2 S0 4 =(NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 +2H 2 0. After crystal- 
lization, sublime with Sodium Chloride. (NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 +2NaCl=2NH 4 Cl-f- 
Na 2 S0 4 . 

Characters. — A white, crystalline powder, without odor, having a cool- 
ing, saline taste, and permanent in the air, but volatile when heated. Solu- 
bility. — In 3 parts of water ; almost insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Chiefly tarry matters. 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr.; .06 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Trochisci Ammonii Chloridi. — Troches of Ammonium Chloride. 
Ammonium Chloride, 10 ; Extract of Glycyrrhiza, 25 ; Tragacanth, 12 ; 
Sugar, 50 gm. ; Syrup of Tolu, a sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. 
Each troche contains two grains; .12 gm. 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches.] 






THE ALKALINE METALS — AMMONIA. 145 



Action of Ammonium Chloride. 

Locally applied, ammonium chloride increases the secretion 
of mucous membranes, and to a slight extent it does the same 
after absorption. It is a feeble cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, 
[and probably a general stimulant, but of less power than the 
carbonate.] 

Therapeutics of Ammonium Chloride. 

It is a very favorite remedy for local application, by means of 
inhalation of the vapor, to increase the secretion of mucus from 
the pharynx, Eustachian tubes, larynx, trachea and bronchi in 
cases of chronic pharyngitis, otitis media, laryngitis, and bron- 
chitis. Many forms of apparatus for its inhalation are in the 
market. In most of them it is generated by the action of hydro- 
chloric acid on ammonia. It is occasionally given by the mouth, 
either as a cholagogue, gastric stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, 
or expectorant, but it is too feeble to be recommended, and it is 
very [unpleasant] ; the taste may to some extent be concealed 
by liquorice. Some authorities consider it to be, in large doses, 
a specific for neuralgia. 

5. LIQUOR AMMONII ACETATIS.— [Solution of Ammonium 
Acetate. Synonym. — Spirit of Mindererus. An aqueous solution of Ammo- 
nium Acetate (NH 4 C 2 H 3 2 =76.87), containing about 7 per cent, of the salt, 
together with small amounts of Acetic and Carbonic Acids. 

Source. — Ammonium Carbonate is gradually added to diluted Acetic 
Acid until it is neutralized.] 

Incompatibles. — Potash, soda, and their carbonates, acids, lime-water, 
lead and silver salts. 

\_Solution of Ammonium Acetate is used in preparing Liquor Ferri et Am- 
monii Acetatis.] 

Dose, 2 to 8 fl. dr.; [8. to 30. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ammonium Acetate. 

It is a mild diaphoretic and diuretic, and is used only for 
these effects. It probably acts in both cases, either on the secre- 
tory cells or the nerves connected with them. It does not irri- 
tate the kidneys, but increases both the water and the solids 
10 



146 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

excreted. It is employed in Bright' s disease as a diuretic, and 
in febrile conditions as a diaphoretic. 

6. AMMONII BENZOAS, see Acidum Benzoicum. 

7. AMMONII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 
[8. AMMONII IODIDUM, see Iodine. 

9. AMMONII N I TR AS. —Ammonium Nitrate. NH 4 N0 3 =97.o. 
Source. — By treating commercial Ammonium Carbonate with Nitric 

Acid, filtration and evaporation. NH 4 HC0 3 — NH 4 NH 2 C0 2 -4- 3HNO3 = 
3NH 4 N0 3 -f-2C0 2 + H 2 0. 

Characters — Colorless crystals, generally in the form of long, thin 
rhombic prisms, or in fused masses, without odor, having a sharp, bitter taste, 
and somewhat deliquescent. Solubility. — In 0.5 part of water; and in 20 
parts of Alcohol. 

Afiimoniura Nitrate is used to prepare Nitrous Oxide gas, freezing mix- 
tures and artificial cold applications.] 

10. AMMONII VALERIANAS, see Valeriana. 

IV. LITHIUM. 

Li=7.oi. 

1. LITHII CARBONAS. — [Lithium Carbonate. Li 2 C0 3 =73.87. 
Source. — By action of Lithium Chloride upon Ammonium Carbonate, 

filtration, washing with Alcohol, and drying. 2LiCl-j-NH 3 HC0 3 =Li 2 C0 3 4/- 
NKLC1+HC1. 

Characters. — A light, white powder, odorless, and having an alkaline 
taste ; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 80 parts of water ; insoluble in 
Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Lime and aluminum. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm.] 

2. LITHII CITRAS.— [Lithium Citrate. Li 3 C 6 H 5 7 =20 9 .57. 
Source. — By action of Lithium Carbonate upon Citric Acid, evaporation 

and crystallization. 3Li 2 C0 3 4-2H 3 C 6 H 5 7 =2Li 3 C 6 H-0 7 -f-3H 2 0-f3C0 2 . 

Characters. — A white powder, odorless and having a cooling, faintly 
alkaline taste ; deliquescent on exposure to air. Solubility. — In 2 parts of 
water ; almost insoluble in Alcohol or Ether. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparation. 

Lithii Citras Effervescens. — Effervescent Lithium Citrate. 

Source. — Lithium Carbonate, 70 ; Sodium Bicarbonate, 280 ; Citric Acid, 
370 ; Sugar, a sufficient quantity, to 1000. Triturate the Citric Acid with 
Sugar, and dry the mixture thoroughly. Then incorporate with it, by tritura- 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS — CALCIUM. 147 

tion, Lithium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate, and enough Sugar to make 
the product weigh iooo parts. 

Characters. — A white powder having a cooling, saline and sweetish 
taste. Solubility, — Completely in water with effervescence. 

Dose, 10 to 45 gr. ; .60 to 3.00 gm.] 

Action of Lithium Carbonate and Citrate. 
These lithium salts closely resemble in their actions the cor- 
responding potassium salts, but, as very little lithium is sufficient 
to lorm a salt with uric acid, and lithium urate is very soluble, 
they are more powerful solvents of uric acid. They are also 
efficacious as diuretics and render the urine very alkaline. 
Large doses are general depressants like potassium salts. 

Therapeutics of Lithium Carbonate and Citrate. 
Lithium salts are much used internally in acute and chronic 
gout, to promote the elimination of sodium urate. They are also 
given as solvents to patients suffering from uric acid gravel and 
calculus. Those suffering from gravel often derive great benefit. 
A lotion of the carbonate (i to 120 of water) applied on lint and 
covered with gutta-percha relieves the pain of gouty inflammation, 
promotes the healing of gouty ulcers, and aids the disappearance 
of tophi [although it does seem to prevent their formation]. 
Lithium salts should always be freely diluted. The citrate has 
the advantage of greater solubility. 

3. [LITHII BENZOAS, see Acidum Benzoicum. 

4. LITHII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

5. LITHII SALICYLAS, ^ Acidum Salicylicum. ] 



GROUP III. 

METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS. 

Calcium, Strontium, Barium, Magnesium, Cerium, 
Aluminum. 

I. CALCIUM. 

Ca=3 9 . 9 i. 
1. CRETA PRiEPARAT A.— [Prepared Chalk. CaC0 3 =99.76. 
Synonym. — Drop Chalk. 

Source. — From Chalk by levigation, elutriation and drying. 



148 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — A white, amorphous powder, often moulded into conical 
drops, odorless and tasteless; permanent in the air. Solubility. — Almost 
insoluble in water ; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Acids and sulphates. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. [.60 to 4.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Pulvis Cretae Compositus. — [Compound Chalk Powder. 
Prepared Chalk, 30; powdered Acacia, 20 ; powdered Sugar, 50. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr.; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

2. Mistura Cretae. — Chalk Mixture. Compound Chalk Powder, 
200 ; Cinnamon Water, 400 ; Water to make 1000. 

Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr.; 8. to 15. c.c. 

3. Hydrargyrum cum Creta, see Hydrargyrum. 

4. Trochisci Cretae. — Troches of Chalk. Prepared Chalk, 25 ; 
Acacia, 7 gm. ; Spirit of Nutmeg, 3 c.c; Sugar, 40 gm.; Water to 
make troches. Each troche contains 4 gr. • .25 gm. 

Dose, ad libitum. ] 

2. CALCII CARBONAS PR^ECIPITATUS.— [Precipitated Cal- 
cium Carbonate. CaC0 3 — 99.76. 

Source. — From Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate, and drying 
the precipitate. CaCl 2 +Na 2 C0 3 =2NaCl+CaC0 3 . 

Characters. — A fine, white powder, odorless and tasteless, permanent 
in the air. Solubility, Nearly insoluble in water. 

Precipitated Calcium Carbonate is used to prepare Pulvis Morphines Com- 
positus and Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr.; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action of Creta Pr^eparata and Calcium Carbonate. 

External. — It is mildly astringent and helps to dry moist 
surfaces. 

Internal. — Stomach and Intestines. — Calcium carbonate is 
antacid, It is a mild but certain astringent. How it acts as 
an instringent is unknown. It is excreted unchanged in the faeces. 

Kidneys. — Because certain mineral waters containing calcium 
bicarbonates and sulphates amongst other salts, have been used 
successfully in cases of urinary gravel and calculi, it has been 
asserted that these salts are diuretic, and solvent for uric acid, but 
it is more likely that the beneficial effects of these waters are due 
merely to the large amount of water drunk; [at least], there is no 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS — CALCIUM. 149 

proof that it is due to the salts. Such waters are those of Con- 
trexeville, Vittel, [Clarendon, and Waukesha]. 

Therapeutics of Creta Pr^eparata and Calcium Carbonate. 

External. — Prepared chalk forms an excellent dusting pow- 
der for moist eczema. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Because of its mechanical 
action it is a good tooth powder. Chalk mixture and compound 
chalk powder, particularly the former, are very valuable for 
checking mild diarrhoea, especially in children. 

Kidneys. — There is no doubt that persons passing gravel or 
urinary calculi, especially if composed of uric acid, are benefited 
by drinking the waters of Contrexeville and Vittel. They should 
be taken in quantities of 3 to 6 pints [1500. to 3000. c. c] a day 
and between meals, to avoid the large amount of fluid causing 
indigestion. At Contrexeville the great bulk is drunk before 
breakfast. 

3. CALX — [Lime. CaO=55.87. Synonym. — Burned Lime. 

Source. — Made by burning white marble, oyster shells, or the purest 
vareties of natural Calcium Carbonate, to expel Carbon Dioxide. 

Characters. — Hard white or grayish- white masses, which in contact 
with air gradually attract moisture and Carbon Dioxide, and fall into a white 
powder (slaked lime) ; odorless ; of a sharp, caustic taste. Solubility. — In 
750 parts of water; insoluble in alcohol. 

Preparations. 

1. Liquor Calcis. — Solution of Lime. Synonyms. — Lime Water. Solu- 
tion of Calcium Hydrate. 

Source. — Made from slaked lime by solution. A saturated, aqueous 
solution of Calcium Hydrate. The percentage of Calcium Hydrate varies with 
the temperature, being somewhat over 0.17 per cent, at 59 F. ; 15 C, and 
diminishing as the temperature rises. 

Dose, 1 to 8 fl. dr. ; 4. to 30. c.c. 

2. Linimentum Calcis. — Lime Liniment. Synonym. — Carron Oil. 
Solution of Lime, Linseed Oil, of each, one volume. Mix them by agitation. 

3. Syrupus Calcis. — Syrup of Lime. Lime, 60 ; Sugar, 400; Water, to 
1 000. 

Dose, 15 to 60 m.; 1. to 4. c.c. 

4. Potassa cum Calce. — See Potassium, p. 117.] 



150 inorganic materia medica. 

Action of Lime. 

External. — Slaked lime is caustic. Lime water is astringent. 

Internal. — Alimentary tract. — Lime is antacid. It prevents 
milk from curdling in the stomach. It allays vomiting, and 
is an antidote for poisoning by mineral acids, oxalic acid, and 
zinc chloride. It acts as a mild intestinal astringent. 

Therapeutics of Lime. 

External. — Slaked lime, employed as a caustic, is usually 
mixed with caustic potash, when it forms Vienna paste (see p. 1 1 7), 
[or with caustic soda known as London paste and is] used to 
destroy warts and other small growths. Lime water applied to 
weeping eczema is especially serviceable if mixed with glycerin. 
Linimentum Calcis is very valuable for burns. 

Internal. — Lime water is much used to mix with milk to pre- 
vent its curdling in the stomach, especially when, as is often the 
case with children, the curds cause vomiting. It is difficult to 
understand how it acts, for, although lime water contains so little 
lime, it is often efficacious. In severe cases of infantile vomiting 
equal parts of milk and lime water may be ordered. Lime water 
will check slight diarrhoea. It is a useful injection for thread- 
worms, for leucorrhcea, and for gleet. 

4. CALCII PHOSPHAS PRiECIPITATUS.— [Precipitated Cal- 
cium Phosphate. Ca 2 (P0 4 ) 2 =3o9.33. Synonym. — Precipitated Lime Phos- 
phate. 

Source. — Made from Bone Ash (impure Calcium Phosphate) digested 
with diluted Hydrochloric acid, made alkaline with solution of Ammonia, and 
by precipitation. 

Characters. — A light, white amorphous powder, colorless and tasteless, 
and permanent in the air. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water. 

Precipitated Calcium Phosphate is contained in Pulvis Antimonialis. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis. — Syrup of Calcium Lactophosphate. 
Precipitated Calcium Carbonate, 25; Phosphoric Acid, 36; Lactic Acid, 60; 
Orange Flower Water, 25 ; Sugar, 700 ; Water, to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 



metals of the alkaline earths — calcium. 151 

Action and Therapeutics of Calcium Phosphate. 

As it forms such an important constituent of bones, and as 
the bones of animals whose diet contains no lime salts are soft, 
calcium phosphate has been given for rickets, and for the anaemia 
and feebleness often seen in young children, but it is not certain 
that it does any good. [It is important that calcium phosphate 
should be made from bones when used in the treatment of rickets]. 

5. CALX SULPHURATA, see Sulphur. 

6. CALCII CHLORIDUM.— [Calcium Chloride. CaCl 2 =iio.6 5 . 
Source. — Obtained by neutralizing Hydrochloric Acid with Calcium 

Carbonate and evaporating. CaC0 3 4-2HCl=CaCl 2 -(-C0 2 -f-H 2 0. T/his is 
rendered anhydrous by fusion at the lowest possible temperature. 

Characters. — White, slightly translucent, hard fragments, odorless, 
having a sharp saline taste and very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 1.5 parts of 
water and in 8 parts of alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Calcium Chloride. 
It used to be given with the object of reducing enlarged lym- 
phatic glands, but is not now employed. [It has been recom- 
mended by See in the treatment of gastric catarrh and fermenta- 
tive dyspepsia in maximum dose], 

7. CALX CHLORATA, see Chlorine. 

8. CALCII HYPOPHOSPHIS, see Phosphorus. 
g. [CALCII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

10. CALCII SULPHAS EXSICCATUS.— Dried Calcium Sul- 
phate. Synonyms. — Dried Gypsum. Plaster of Paris. 

Source — A powder containing about 95 per cent., by weight, of Calcium 
Sulphate (CaS0 4 =i 35.73), and about 5 per cent, of water, prepared from the 
purer varieties of native Gypsum (CaS0 4 -|- 2 ri" 2 0=i7i.65), by heating until 
about three-fourths of the water had been expelled. 

Characters. — An amorphous white powder, without taste or odor, and 
when mixed with half its weight of water it forms a smooth paste, which rap- 
idly hardens. Solubility. — In about 410 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dried Calcium Phosphate is used to prepare Calx Sulphurata. 

Uses of Dried Calcium Sulphate. 
Dried calcium sulphate is used for making casts of deformi- 
ties and injuries, and for making immovable bandages and ap- 
paratus for injuries and diseases when immobilization is necessary. 



152 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

II. STRONTIUM. 

Sr=8 7 . 3 . 

1. STRONTII LACTAS.- Strontium Lactate. Sr(C 3 H 5 3 ) 2 +3H 2 
=318.76. 

Source. — From the carbonate, by dissolving it in lactic acid somewhat 
diluted with water ; if necessary, heat is applied to effect solution. After filtra- 
tion the solution is evaporated with moderaLe heat, to dryness. SrC0 3 -f-2HC 3 
H 5 3 =Sr(C 3 H 5 3 ) 2 +H 2 0+C0 2 . 

Characters. — A white, granular powder or crystalline nodules, odorless 
and having a slightly bitter taste. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 
about 4 parts of water; soluble in Alcohol. 

Incompatibles. — Solutions of carbonates and sulphates, and potassium 
chromate. 

Impurities. — Barium carbonate, oxalates, metallic and organic impurities. 

Dose, X to 2 dr.; 1. to 8. gm. 

Action of Strontium Lactate. 

The strontium salts were demonstrated by Laborde to be 
harmless to animals and men. He also ascribed to them a 
diuretic action. If given for some time and in large quantities 
they impair gastric digestion and subsequently the general nutri- 
tion. The lactate reduces the amount of albumin in albumi- 
nuria, and it is claimed to have a sedative effect on the heart in 
diseases of the valves and of the muscular tissue. It also checks 
fermentation and putrefaction in the small intestines. 

Therapeutics of Strontium Lactate. 

The strontium salts in gastric affections improve the appetite 
and facilitate digestion, and are useful in chronic intestinal ca- 
tarrh. The lactate is diuretic and is useful in albuminuria, due 
to renal atony, but not in uraemia, nor in interstitial nephritis, 
nor in the high fever of acute parenchymatous nephritis. In the 
chronic form due to scrofula, rheumatism or gout it is useful. It 
has had a decidedly beneficial action in diabetes of hepatic 
origin, and in cirrhosis of the liver. 

2. STRONTII BROMIDUM, see Bromine. 

3. STRONTII IODIDUM, see Iodine.] 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS — BARIUM. 153 

III. BARIUM. 

Ba [=136.9. 

BARI I DIOXIDUM.— Barium Dioxide. Ba0 2 =i68.82. Synonym. 
— Barium Peroxide. 

Source. — By conducting oxygen over Barium Oxide, heated to full red- 
ness. 

Characters. — A heavy, grayish-white, or pale, yellowish-white, amor- 
phous, coarse powder, odorless and tasteless. When exposed to the air it 
slowly attracts moisture and Carbon Dioxide, and is gradually decomposed. 
Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water. 

Impurities. — Sulphates and nitrates. 

Incompatibles. — Hydrochloric, phosphoric and most other mineral acids. 

Barium Dioxide is used in preparing Aqua Hydrogenii Dioxidi. 

Action of Barium Salts. 

Barium chloride (not official) causes the cardiac contractions 
to become slower and more forcible, acting like digitalis. The 
blood vessels are constricted, and the blood pressure rises. 
The plain muscular fibres of the intestine may be excited, and 
the peristalsis is increased. In these respects it resembles ergot as 
well as digitalis. It acts like veratrine when applied locally to 
voluntary muscles, prolonging the contraction ; but this effect is 
done away with by the application of potassium salts. 

Therapeutics of Barium Salts. 

These are not often given, but the chloride has been used for 
mitral insufficiency accompanied by irregularity of the heart, 
for haemorrhage, and as a stimulant in atony of the bladder 
or intestine. Formerly it was given in nervous diseases. The 
sulphide (not official) has been used as a depilatory. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Poisonous doses cause salivation, thirst, vomiting, purging, 
difficulty of breathing, and, from its action on the spinal cord, paralysis of the 
limbs. The heart is arrested in systole. 

Treatment. — Poisoning should be treated by non-irritant emetics and 
draughts of weak solution of sodium or magnesium sulphate, followed by 
albuminous drinks, and diffusible stimulants.] 



154 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

IV. MAGNESIUM. 
Mg.=24.3. 

i. MAGNESII SULPHAS.— [Magnesium Sulphate. MgS0 4 +H 2 
=245.84. Synonym. — Epsom Salt. 

Source. — It is obtained from (1) Dolomite (native Calcium and Magne- 
sium Carbonate); or (2) Magnesite (native Magnesium Carbonate), by the 
action of Sulphuric Acid. (1) MgC0 3 +MgS0 4 +2H 2 S0 4 =CaS0 4 -f MgS0 4 
+2H 2 or (2) MgC0 3 +H 2 S0 4 =MgS0 4 -f H 2 0-f-C0 2 . Treat with water, 
filter and evaporate the filtrate to crystallization. 

Characters. — Small, colorless, rhombic prisms or acicular crystals, very 
like Zinc Sulphate, but moister, and of a bitter taste, whilst that of the Zinc 
Salt is metallic. Solubility. — In 1.5 parts of cold water. 

Incompatibles. — Alkaline carbonates, phosphoric acid, phosphates, lime 
water, lead acetate and silver nitrate. 

Impurities. — Lime and Iron. 

Magnesium Sulphate is contained in Infusum Sennae Compositum.] 

Dose, % to 1 oz.; 8. to 30. gm. 

2. MAGNESII CARBONAS.— [Magnesium Carbonate. (MgC0 3 ) 4 , 
Mg(OH) 2 + 5 H 2 0= 4 84.62. 

Source. — Mix strong, boiling aqueous solutions of Magnesium Sulphate 
and Sodium Carbonate, and evaporate. 4MgS0 4 -|-4Na 2 C0 3 -(-H 2 0=(Mg 
C0 3 ) 4 , Mg(OH) 2 -|-4Na 2 S0 4 -f C0 2 . Digest with water, filter and dry. 

Characters. — Light, white friable masses, or a light white powder, 
without odor, and having a slightly earthy taste. Solubility. — Almost insolu- 
ble in water. 

Impurities. — Lime and sulphates. 

Magnesium Carboitate is tised to prepare Magnesia. 

Dose, ^ to 2 dr. ; 1. to 8. gm.] 

Preparations . 

1. Magnesii Citras Effervescens. — [Effervescent Magnesium 
Citrate. Magnesium Carbonate, 10; Citric Acid, 46; Sodium Bicar- 
bonate, 34 ; Sugar, 8 ; Alcohol and distilled water, a sufficient quantity. 

Characters. — A white, coarsely granular salt, without odor, and 
having a mildly acidulous, refreshing taste, deliquescent. Sohibility. — 
With copious effervescence, in 2 parts of water; almost insoluble in 
Alcohol. 

Dose, ^ to 1 oz.; 8. to 30. gm. 

2. Liquor Magnesii Citratris — Solution of Magnesium Citrate, 
Dissolve Magnesium Carbonate, 15; in a solution of Citric Acid, 30; 






METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS — MAGNESIA. 155 

add Syrup of Citric Acid, 60 ; then crystals of Potassium Bicarbonate, 
25. Cork and wire immediately. It effervesces when uncorked. 
Dose, 2 to 8 fl. oz. ; 60. to 240. c. c] 

3. MAGNESIA. — Light Magnesia. MgO [=40.26.] Synonym. — Cal- 
cined Magnesia. 

Source. — [By heating the official Magnesium Carbonate, water and Car 
bon Dioxide are given off, and Magnesium Oxide remains behind. 4(MgC0 3 ), 
Mg(OH) 2 + 5 H 2 0=5MgO+ 4 C0 2 +6H 2 0.] 

Characters. — A white, very light and very fine powder, without odor 
and having an earthy, but not saline taste. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in 
water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

\_Light Magnesia is used to prepare Heavy Magnesia and is contained in 
Massa Capaibae, Pulvis Rhei Compositus and Ferri Oxidum Hydratum cum 
Magnesia. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 

4. MAGNESIA PONDE ROSA.— Heavy Magnesia. [MgO=40.26. 
Source. — From Magnesia by trituration for some time in the presence of 

strong Alcohol, drying, and rubbing to powder. 

Characters. — A white, dense and very fine powder, which should cor- 
respond to the tests for Magnesia, from which it differs in not readily uniting 
with water to form a gelatinous hydrate.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action of Magnesium Salts. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Stomach and Litestines. — Magnesia and magne- 
sium carbonate are antacid, acting in many ways like the potas- 
sium and sodium alkalies. Carbon dioxide is given off, if the car- 
bonate has been given, and is sedative to the stomach. They are 
both decomposed by the gastric juice, magnesium chloride, lac- 
tate and bicarbonate being formed. These salts, or the sulphate, 
if that has been taken, act in the intestine, as typical saline 
purgatives. The sulphate is most powerful. The mode of 
action of this group of purgatives has been discussed on p. 89. 

Blood and Urine. — Like other alkaline remedies, these mag- 
nesium salts increase the alkalinity of the blood, alkalize the 
urine, help to keep uric acid in solution, and are diuretic. But 
their action on the blood and urine is feebler than that of potas- 
sium and sodium salts, for they are with difficulty absorbed. 



156 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Therapeutics of Magnesium Salts. 






Internal. — Stomach. — Magnesia and the carbonate are mild 
alkaline remedies, and may be used in the same class of cases as 
other alkalies. They form insoluble compounds with mineral 
acids, oxalic acid, and salts of mercury, arsenic and copper. By 
alkalizing the gastric contents they hinder the absorption of 
alkaloids. They are, therefore, antidotes to all these substances ; 
the objection to them is their bulk. Magnesia is to be preferred, 
as the carbonate gives off carbon [dioxide] gas. They must be 
freely given. The sulphate is an antidote to lead and barium 
salts, forming insoluble sulphates. 

Intestines. — The magnesium salts are very common purga- 
tives. Magnesia, the carbonate, and the citrate are excellent for 
children. The sulphate is one of our best saline purgatives. It 
is very largely used, especially for the varieties of constipation 
that are associated with hepatic disorder, gout or excessive uric 
acid. Its use is then spread over some time, and it may conve- 
niently be taken as one of the mineral waters which contain it 
and sodium sulphate (see p. 137). A concentrated solution, 
causing as it does an increased secretion of intestinal fluid, is a 
useful purge for dropsy or ascites. [It is useful with glycerin in 
concentrated enema for thorough cleansing of the bowels before 
surgical operations (glycerin, 1 oz. ; 30. c.c, in a saturated solu- 
tion of magnesium sulphate, in hot water 3 oz. ; 90, c.c, which is 
allowed to cool). It can also be used hypodermatically in dose of 
3 gr. ; .20 gm., which frequently will cause a watery evacuation. 
In operations during which the abdomen is opened, the subse- 
quent intestinal paralysis can be prevented from causing constipa- 
tion by injecting into the small intestine through a canula one 
ounce ; 30. c.c. of a saturated solution of magnesium sulphate. 
The wound in the bowel should be closed by a Lembert stitch]. 

Blood and kidneys — So little of these salts is absorbed that 
they are only to be given for their alkaline effects on the blood 
and urine in those cases of gout and uric acid gravel in which 
potassium or sodium salts cannot be borne. 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS — ALUM. 157 

V. CERIUM. 

Ce=i3 9 .9. 

CERII OX ALAS.— [Cerium Oxalate. Ce 2 (C 2 OJ 3 -f 9^0=704.78. 
Synonytn. — Cerous Oxalate. 

Source. — The powdered mineral is heated with concentrated Sulphuric 
Acid, ignited, then dissolved in dilute Nitric Acid and treated with Hydrogen 
Sulphide to remove copper ; the calcium salt is held in solution by a little 
Hydrochloric Acid, and the cerite metals are precipitated as oxalates by Oxalic 
Acid. It is purified by calcination and solution, reduced to a cerous salt and 
precipitated by Oxalic Acid. 

Characters. — A white granular powder, without odor or taste. Solu- 
bility. — Insoluble in water, Alcohol or Ether.] 

Impurities. — Aluminum and oxalates. 

Dose, i to 8 gr. ; [.06 to .50 gm,] 

Therapeutics of Cerium Oxalate. 
It is given empirically for vomiting, especially for that of 
pregnancy, and occasionally with benefit. No physiological 
action is known. [The dose above given is often exceeded; 
30 gr. (2. gm.) ; have been frequently given with good results.] 

VI. ALUMINUM. 

Al=27.04. 

1. ALUMEN.— Alum. Al 2 K 2 (SOJ 2 +24H 2 0=Q46.46. [Synonyms.— 
Aluminum and Potassium Sulphate. Potassium Alum. 

Source. — Made from Alum Slate or Shale (a mixture of Aluminum Sili- 
cate and Iron Sulphide) by roasting and exposing to the air. By lixiviating 
the heaps with water, Sulphuric Acid, Aluminum and Iron Sulphates are 
obtained in solution. This solution is concentrated, and while hot mixed with 
Potassium Chloride, which, reacting upon the Ferric Sulphate, yields Potas- 
sium Sulphate and Ferric Chloride, while the Alum separates on cooling as a 
crystalline powder. It is then purified by one or two recrystallizations. Also 
by making an Aluminum Sulphate from Al(OH) 3 , the bye-product in the 
manufacture of Soda from cryolite. 

Characters. — Large colorless octahedral crystals, sometimes modified 
by cubes, or in crystalline fragments, without odor, but having a sweetish and 
strongly astringent taste. On exposure to the air, the crystals are liable to absorb 
ammonia, and acquire a whitish coating.] Sohibility. — In 9 parts of water. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, lime, lead, mercury, and iron salts, tartrates 
and tannic acid. 

Impurities. — Ferrous sulphate and silicates. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 



158 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation, 

Alumen Exsiccatum. — [Dried Alum. Synonyms. — Alumen 
Ustum. Burnt Alum. 

Source. — Heat ioo parts of Alum with moderate heat till aqueous 
vapor ceases to be disengaged, and it is reduced to 55 parts. 

Characters. — A white, granular powder, without odor, possessing 
a sweetish, astringent taste, and attracting moisture from the air. Sol- 
ubility — Slowly but completely soluble in 20 parts of water.] 

2. ALUMINI HYDRAS.— Aluminum Hydrate. Al 2 (OH) 6 =i5S.84. 
Synonyms. — Aluminum Hydroxide. Hydrated Alumina. 

Source.— By separate solution of Alum, loo ; and Sodium Carbonate, 
loo in distilled water and heat. Mix the hot solutions, wash the precipitate 
with hot distilled water, dry and reduce to a fine powder. 

Characters. — A white, light amorphous powder, odorless and tasteless, 
permanent in dry air. Solubility. — Insoluble in water or Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr. ; .06 to .60 gm. 

3. ALUMINI SULPHAS.— Aluminum Sulphate. Al 2 (SOJ 3 +i6 
H 2 0=628. 9 . 

Source. — Aluminum Hydroxide, Al(OH) 3 , a bye-product in the manufac- 
ture of Soda from cryolite, is dissolved in diluted Sulphuric Acid ; the solution 
is filtered and evaporated to dryness. 

Characters. — A white, crystalline powder, without odor, having a 
sweetish and afterwards astringent taste. Solubility. — 1.2 parts of water; 
almost insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Action of Aluminum Salts. 

External. — They have no action on the unbroken skin, but 
coagulate the albumin of the discharges from ulcers, sores, etc., 
and thus form a protecting covering to the parts, and act as an 
efficient astringent. The albumin in the tissues themselves is 
coagulated also. This coagulated albumin will compress and 
occlude the vessels, and thus alum is haemostatic. Dried alum 
absorbs water, and therefore its solid form is mildly caustic. 
[Aluminum acetate (not official) in saturated solution is a very 
penetrating antiseptic] 

Internal. — Alimentary tract. — Alum is an excellent astrin- 
gent for the mouth, stomach and intestines, and will cause con- 
stipation. In large doses it is emetic, acting directly on the 
stomach, and in larger still, irritant and purgative. Most, if not 



METALS OF THE ALKALINE EARTHS — ALUM. 159 

all, is passed by the faeces ; probably it has no more remote 
effects on the tissues. 

Therapeutics of Aluminum Salts. 

External. — Alum is occasionally used as a caustic to destroy 
weak, exuberant granulations. Because of its astringency it has 
many uses ; it may, for example, be applied to weeping eczema- 
tous surfaces, and as an injection or on [moistened] lint for vulvitis 
of children. Solutions of it have been used for leucorrhcea and 
gleet. Ten grains [; .60 gm.] to the fluid ounce; [30. c.c] of 
water is a common strength for most purposes. Five grains 
[; .30 gm.] to the fluid ounce; [30. c.c] make a good eye wash 
or a gargle. Strong solutions, or powdered alum, applied locally, 
stop bleeding, if it is not severe, such as occurs from piles, leech 
bites, slight cuts, the gums and the nose. [Aluminum naphtol- 
sulphonate (alumnol, not official) in 1 to 3 per cent, solutions is 
an unirritating astringent which, although precipitating albumin, 
dissolves it when in excess and therefore penetrates below the 
surface. It is used for the treatment of acute and chronic inflam- 
mations of various mucous membranes.] 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — As a mouth wash or gargle 
[1-2 to 100], alum is very valuable in ulcerative stomatitis, in 
aphthous conditions of the mouth, and in slight pharyngitis or 
tonsilitis. [Alum as a mouth wash attacks the enamel of the 
teeth.] One part of alum with five parts of glycerin, painted 
on with a camel's hair brush, is excellent for these conditions. 
If the nose be irrigated with a solution of alum, it may remedy a 
chronic ozsena. It has been found that other astringents are 
preferable for bleeding from the stomach and for diarrhoea, but a 
teaspoonful [4. gm.] of alum, dissolved in simple syrup, and given 
every quarter of an hour till vomiting is produced, is an excellent 
emetic for children, and may be used to produce vomiting in 
laryngitis and bronchitis, as it is non-depressant. It is a strange 
fact that in lead colic, alum will sometimes open the bowels, 
probably because, being a sulphate, it precipitates any lead salt 
as an insoluble lead sulphate. 



160 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP IV. 

Plumbum, Argentum, Zincum, Cuprum, Bismuthum. 

The pharmacopoeial Salts of these metals are powerful astringents. 
Many of them have some Salts which are emetic, and others which, when 
applied locally, are Caustic. Aluminum, which was last considered, would 
pharmacologically fall into this group. 

I. PLUMBUM. 

Pb=2o6.4. 

i. PLUMBI OXIDUM.— [Lead Oxide. PbO=2 2 2.36]. Synonym.— 
Litharge. 

Source. — Made by roasting Lead in air. 

Characters. — [A heavy, yellowish or reddish-yellow powder or minute 
scales, without odor or taste. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water; soluble 
in Nitric and Acetic Acids. 

Impurities. — Copper, iron and carbonates. 

Lead Oxide is used to make Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis.] 



Preparations. 

i. Emplastrum Plumbi. — Lead Plaster. This is lead oleate, 
and is sometimes called Diachylon Plaster. [Lead Oxide, 3200, 
is boiled in water, and Olive Oil, 6000. When the mass has acquired 
a whitish color and is perfectly homogeneous, it is well kneaded to 
remove the Glycerin and divided into rolls of suitable size ] 3PbO-f- 
3H 2 0+2(C 3 H 5 (C 18 H3 3 2 )3)=3(Pb 2 (C 18 H 33 2 ) 2 )+2(C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 ). 

[Lead Oxide or its Plaster is contained in Emplastrum Ammoni- 
aci cum Hydrargyro, Ferri, Hydrargyri, Opii, Resinae, and Saponis. 

2. Unguentum Diachylon. — Diachylon Ointment. Lead Plas- 
ter, 500; Olive Oil, 490; Oil of Lavender Flowers, 10.] 

2. PLUMBI ACETAS.— Lead Acetate. Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 +3H 2 0[= 
378.0.] Synonym. — Sugar of Lead. 

Source. — [Metallic Lead is dissolved, in the presence of air, in Acetic 
Acid. PbO+2C 2 Ti i 2 +2H 2 0=Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 +3H 2 0. To obtain well- 
defined crystals the solution must have a distinctly acid reaction. 

Characters. — Colorless, shining, transparent, monoclinic prisms or 
plates, or heavy, white, crystalline masses, or granular crystals, having a faintly 
acetous odor, and a sweetish, astringent, afterwards metallic taste. Efflores- 
cent, and absorbing Carbon Dioxide, on exposure to the air. Solubility. — In 
1.8 parts of water.] 

Incompatibles. — Hard water, mineral acids and salts, alkalies, lime 






THE SALTS OF LEAD. 161 

water, potassium iodide, vegetable astringents, preparations of opium, and 
albuminous liquids. 

Impurity. — Lead carbonate. 

Dose, y 2 to 5 gr. ; [.03 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations made from the Acetate in which Lead exists as the SUBACE- 
TATE, Pb 2 0(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 . 

[1. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis. — Solution of Lead Subacetate. 
Synonym. — Goulard's Extract. Lead Acetate, 170; and Lead Oxide, 
100 ; are boiled together in distilled water, to make 1000.] An aqueous 
liquid containing in solution about 25 per cent. 01 Lead Subacetate 
[approximately Pb 2 0(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 =546.48. 

2. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus. — Diluted Solution of 
Lead Subacetate. Synonym. — Lead Water. Liquor Plumbi Subaceta- 
tis, 30 ; distilled water to 1000. 

3. Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis. — Cerate of Lead Subacetate. 
Synonym. — Goulard's Cerate. Solution of Lead Subacetate, 200; 
Camphor Cerate, 800.] 

3. PLUMBI CARBONAS.— [Lead Carbonate. A mixture of Car- 
bonate and Hydrate. (PbC0 3 ), Pb(OH) 2 =772.82. Synonym.— White Lead. 

Source. — Expose Lead to the vapor of Acetic Acid and to air charged 
with Carbon Dioxide. 6Pb-f 6HC 2 H 3 2 +30 2 +2C0 2 =(PbC0 3 ), Pb(OH) 2 
+ 2H 2 + 2 Pb(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 . 

Characters. — A heavy, white, opaque powder, or a pulverulent mass, 
without odor or taste. 

Impurity. — Lime. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis. — Ointment of Lead Carbon- 
ate. Lead Carbonate, 10; Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 

4. PLUMBI NITRAS.— [Lead Nitrate. Pb(N0 3 ) 2 = 330.18. 
Source. — Dissolve Lead in warm diluted] Nitric Acid. 
Characters. — [Colorless, transparent, octahedral crystals, or white 

opaque crystals; without odor, and having a sweetish, astringent, afterwards 
metallic taste. 

Ledoyen's Disinfecting Fluid, is Lead Nitrate, I ; dissolved in water, 8 
parts.] 

5. PLUMBI IODIDUM.— [Lead Iodide. Pbl 2 = 430.46. 
Source. — Mix solutions of Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide and dry 

the precipitate. Pb(N0 3 ) 2 -f- 2KI = 2KN0 3 -f Pbl 2 . 

Characters. — A heavy, bright-yellow powder, without odor or taste. 
Solubility. — In about 2000 parts of water. 
11 



162 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 
Unguentum Plumbi Iodidi. — Ointment of Lead Iodide. Lead 
Iodide, io; Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 

Action of Lead Salts. 

External. — The action of lead salts on the unbroken skin, 
if they have any, is very slight ; but when applied to the abraded 
skin, to sores and to ulcers, they coagulate the albumin of the 
discharge, thus forming a protective coat; they coagulate the 
albumin in the tissues themselves ; and they contract the small 
vessels; for these three reasons they are powerfully astrin- 
gent. They also soothe pain, and are therefore excellent local 
sedatives. It is obvious that substances so markedly astringent 
will be haemostatics. The nitrate is slightly caustic, and any 
salt may be irritant and caustic if enough be used, and it is suffi- 
ciently concentrated. 

Internal. — Lead salts act on mucous membranes precisely 
as on the unbroken skin, and are therefore powerfully astringent 
and haemostatic to all parts of the alimentary canal, from the 
mouth downwards. (For other actions see Toxicology.) 

Therapeutics of Lead Salts. 
External. — Lead salts are applied as lotions or ointments 
in many conditions for which an astringent, sedative effect is 
desired, as in weeping eczema and many varieties of ulceration. 
The lotions may be injected in vulvitis, leucorrhcea, gleet and 
otorrhoea, but should not be applied for ulceration of the cornea, 
least the white precipitate formed should lead to permanent opa- 
city. The sedative effect is well seen in their use in pruritus ; 
but of course the cause of the itching should, if possible, be re- 
moved. The Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis is rarely used, as it is 
strong enough to irritate ; the diluted form is that usually em- 
ployed when a lotion is desired. It is often applied to bruises 
when the skin is unbroken, but is doubtful if it is absorbed. The 
ointment is an excellent remedy, and a lotion of lead and opium 
is a favorite preparation. It may be made by mixing 5 gr. 
[.30 gm.] of extract of opium with 1 oz. [30. c.c] of Liquor 
Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus and 1 oz. [30. c.c] of water. 






THE SALTS OF LEAD. 163 

Internal. — The chief uses of lead salts (the acetate is the 
only one given internally) are as astringents in severe diarrhoea, 
such as that of typhoid fever, and as haemostatics, as in gastric 
ulcer, or in haemorrhage from the intestine, especially if severe, 
as in typhoid fever or tuberculosis. For these purposes the 
Pilula Plumbi cum Opio [B.P.], (lead acetate, 3 gr. ; [.20 gm.] ; 
opium, r gr. ; [.06 gm.]) is very valuable, and suppositories con- 
taining the same amount of the ingredients may be employed for 
rectal haemorrhage. Lead salts produce marked constipation. 
Other preparations are generally preferred, but lead subacetate 
may be used as a gargle when an astringent effect on the mouth 

or pharynx is desired. 

Toxicology. 

Acute Lead Poisoning. — As when applied externally, so when taken 
internally, the lead salts, if concentrated, are powerful irritants. Cases of 
acute poisoning are rare. The Acetate is most frequently taken. There is a 
burning, sweetish taste in the mouth, thirst, vomiting [of whitish fluid due to 
lead chloride], abdominal colic, and usually constipation, but if the bowels 
are open the faeces are black [due to lead sulphide] : the skin is cold, and there 
is collapse. If the patient live long enough, cramps in the legs, giddiness, 
torpor, coma, and convulsions are present. Post-mortem. — The stomach and 
intestines show signs of irritant poisoning. 

Treatment. — Give emetics (see p. 132), or wash out the stomach. Give 
Sodium or Magnesium Sulphate to form an insoluble sulphate, and to open 
the bowels. If collapse is present, stimulants and warmth should be used. 

Chronic Lead Poisoning. — This is so common [that the sources of 
accidental poisoning should be borne in mind. The most important are : soft 
water, carbonated waters and alcoholic drinks (beer) which have passed through 
lead pipes or been stored in receptacles lined with lead. Occupations as paint- 
ers [colica pictonuni), plumbers, type-setters, gold-miners, white lead workers, 
potters, glaziers (Devonshire colic) because] they will not wash their hands 
before meals [nor use ordinary care ; lead hair dyes and face powders, biting 
leaded white thread, eating certain canned fruits (lead solder), sheet-lead (tin- 
foil) about tobacco, filling holes in mill-stones with lead, giving of tin (lead) 
soldiers to children, use of lead carbonate ointment on burns, lead bullets in flesh, 
lead plates in dentistry (Osier), the use of lead chromate to color buns yellowish, 
have all been followed by chronic plumbism.] 

Symptoms. — The earliest are constipation and intestinal colic. Lead is 
certainly absorbed, for it circulates in the blood and is excreted, chiefly, by the 
kidneys. It is supposed to be taken up as an albuminate, but it cannot exist in 
the blood as such, for it would be precipitated by the alkali of that fluid. After 



164 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

absorption it diminishes the amount of haemoglobin and the number of red blood- 
corpuscles, and produces a sallow anaemia; it checks the separation of urates 
from the blood and their excretion by the kidneys, hence gout is very common 
in those poisoned by lead. As it circulates in the gums, and the lead-impreg- 
nated plasma bathes the epithelium, through which some of the sulphur in the 
food and in the tartar of the teeth has diffused, a Lead Sulphide is precipitated 
in the gums, and forms the well-known very dark-blue line [known as Burton's 
line], at the base of the teeth. For the same reason a blue line may occasion- 
ally be seen round the anus, and, after death, deposits of pigment in the intes- 
tines. Circulating in the nervous system, lead very often produces chronic 
inflammation of the peripheral nerves, especially those supplying the extensors 
of the hand, and hence wrist-drop is a very common symptom ; but any muscle, 
and sometimes almost all the muscles of the body, may be paralyzed from 
neuritis [it is a clinical observation that such muscles are very refractory to 
electricity]. It is noteworthy that the supinator longus usually escapes [, the 
reason apparently being that the supinator is not an extensor muscle]. The sen- 
sory fibres of the nerves are not often affected, hence pain and anaesthesia are 
rare; but pains, especially round the joints, may occur. In exceptional cases the 
anterior cornua of the spinal cord waste, and lead often affects the brain, caus- 
ing saturnine lunacy, and also convulsions, known as saturnine epilepsy. 
Inflammation of the optic nerve or optic neuritis, sometimes occurs, leading 
to blindness, which, however, may be present without any change in the nerve. 
The kidneys are often the seat of chronic inflammation; whether this is due 
to the passage of the lead through them, or to the gout caused by the lead, is 
an open question. 

Treatment. — This treatment consists chiefly in avoidance of the source of 
poisoning, the use of Sulphuric Acid lemonade, and in the administration of 
Potassium Iodide ; for although Lead Iodide is insoluble, there is no doubt that 
Potassium Iodide is often given, as it is supposed to increase the excretion of 
lead in the urine. It is said also to be excreted in the bile, sweat, and milk. 
For a clinical account of the symptoms and treatment a text-book of medicine 
must be consulted. 

[The following method may be employed to determine the presence of 
lead in the urine. Administer potassium iodide for four days, collecting the 
urine. Evaporate to a pint ; 500 c. c, and filter. Pass hydrogen sulphide gas 
through the urine thus concentrated, when a black precipitate will form if lead 
is present. Other substances give a black precipitate with hydrogen sulphide, 
but none are likely to be present in the urine. A simple test is to paint a small 
area of skin with a six per cent, solution of sodium sulphite. If lead is present 
the painted area will darken after a few days, (Cicconardi). Patients using 
face enamels containing lead will find the skin blackened on taking baths in 
water containing hydrogen sulphide (Richfield Springs.)] 



THE SALTS OF SILVER. 165 

II. ARGENTUM. 

Ag.=[io7.66. 

i. ARGENTI NITRAS.— Silver Nitrate. AgN0 3 =i69.55.] Syno- 
nym. — Lunar caustic. 

Source. — Dissolve Silver in Nitric Acid with the aid of heat. Evapor- 
ate and crystallize. [6HN0 3 -f-3Ag 2 =6AgN0 3 -f 3H 2 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, tabular, rhombic crystals, becom- 
es S ra y or grayish -black on exposure to light in the presence of organic 
matter ; without odor, but having a bitter, caustic and strongly metallic taste. 
Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water ; and in 26 parts of Alcohol.] It should be 
kept in the dark, as light blackens it. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and their carbonates, chlorides, acids (except 
nitric and acetic), potassium iodide, solutions of arsenic and astringent infu- 
sions. 

Impurities. — Other nitrates. 

Dose, }( to 1 gr. ; [.015 to .06 gm.] in a pill. 

Preparations. 

[1. Argenti Nitras Dilutus. — Diluted Nitrate of Silver. Syn- 
onym. — Mitigated caustic. 

Source. — It is a mixture made by fusing together Silver Nitrate, 
30, and Potassium Nitrate, 60. The product is poured into moulds. 

Characters. — A white, hard solid, generally in the form of 
pencils or cones of a finely granular fracture, becoming gray or grayish- 
black on exposure to light in the presence of organic matter ; odorless, 
having a caustic, metallic taste, and neutral to litmus paper. 

2. Argenti Nitras Fusus. — Moulded Nitrate of Silver. Syn- 
onyms. — Lunar caustic. Lapis infernalis. 

Source. — By melting Silver Nitrate, 100; Hydrochloric Acid, 4; 
cooling in moulds 

Characters. — A white, hard solid, generally in the form of pen- 
cils of a fibrous fracture, becoming gray or grayish-black on exposure to 
light.] 

2. ARGENTI OXIDUM— [Silver Oxide. Ag 2 0=23i.28. 

Source. — Shake a solution of Silver Nitrate with a solution of Potassa and 
wash the precipitate. 2AgN0 3 +2KOH=Ag 2 0+KN0 3 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — A heavy, dark brownish-black powder, having a metallic 
taste. Solubility. — Slightly in water.] 

Incompatibles. — Chlorides and organic substances, especially creosote, 
for it rapidly oxidizes them and forms explosive compounds. 

Impurity. — Metallic silver. 

Dose, }i to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] in a pill. 



166 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

3. ARGENTI CYANIDUM.— [Silver Cyanide. AgCN=i33.64. 
Source. — From Potassium Cyanide, which reacts with Silver Nitrate, 

producing the precipitate of Silver Cyanide. KCN-f-AgN0 3 ==AgCN-|-KN0 3 . 

Characters. — A white powder, odorless and tasteless, permanent in dry 
air, but gradually turning brown on exposure to light. Solubility. — Insoluble 
in water and Alcohol. 

Silver Cyanide is used to prepare extemporaneously Acidum Hydrocyani- 
cum Dilutum. 

4. ARGENTI IODIDUM.— Silver Iodide. Agl=234.i 9 . 
Source. — From Silver Nitrate and Potassium Iodide, washing and drying 

the precipitate. AgN0 3 +Kl=AgI+KN0 3 . 

Characters. — A heavy, amorphous, light-yellowish powder, without 
odor and taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water and Alcohol. 

Dose, % to 1 gr. ; .015 to .06 gm.] 

Action of Silver Salts. 

External. — The action of silver salts is very like that of lead 
salts, but they are more powerful. Therefore silver nitrate is 
much used as a caustic, but it does not act deeply ; it is conse- 
quently an admirable agent when we wish a limited caustic action 
on any particular part. Lotions of it may be used as astrin- 
gents, but they are not so useful as lead lotions, for they are 
more irritating and cause pain. Silver salts, like lead salts, are 
haemostatic, acting in precisely the same way. Weak solutions 
of the nitrate stimulate to healthier action indolent ulcers and 
other inflamed surfaces. 

Internal. — Silver salts, when locally applied to the mucous 
membrane of the mouth, act as upon the abraded skin. In the 
stomach the nitrate is decomposed ; we do not know what com- 
pound is formed, but it is said to have no astringent action. 
Silver is absorbed from the alimentary tract, for its long-continued 
use leads to a bluish-slate color of the skin. Very little is known 
about its further action. In acute poisoning nervous symptoms, 
as convulsions, are met with ; in the chronic form there is loss 
of appetite, impaired nutrition, albuminuria, rapid irregular action 
of the heart, and, after death, general fatty degeneration. Some 
is passed in the faeces as the sulphide. 



the salts of silver. 1(37 

Therapeutics of Silver Salts. 

External.— -Silver nitrate is much used because it is, from its 
limited action, one of the best caustics, and may be employed to 
destroy warts and exuberant granulations, or to apply to bites ; 
but it must be remembered that it is of no use when an extensive 
or deep action is required. [Silver nitrate is a dangerous caustic 
to employ in deep bites, for the pellicle of silver albuminate retains 
the poison in the wound]. Because of its combination of an 
irritant stimulating effect with an astringent influence, lotions of 
it, of generally about 5 gr.; [.30 gm.] to the fluid ounce; [30. 
c. c] of water are of much benefit when applied as a paint to 
weak ulcers, to bedsores, to the affected parts in chronic pharyn- 
gitis or laryngitis, or as an injection in gleet or inflammation of 
the cervix uteri. [An useful injection in gonorrhoea is silver 
caseinate (Argonin, not official) in 1.5 per cent, solution which 
causes the speedy disappearance of gonococci, but since this is not 
astringent, other remedies must be employed to relieve the 
inflammation. Silver citrate (Itrol, not official) in 1 per 
cent, solution is employed for the same purpose]. Weaker solu- 
tions (1 to 240) are employed for granular lids and various forms 
of ophthalmia. [Ophthalmia neonatorum is best treated by early 
applications of a 1 per cent, aqueous solution of silver nitrate. 
This is commonly known as Crede's method, but the original 
formula as prescribed by him was double this strength]. Solu- 
tions of the nitrate will sometimes relieve pruritus, and may be 
applied to the red skin of a threatening bedsore ; very strong 
solutions have been recommended as a local application in erysip- 
elas. Tinea tarsi is often treated by the application of solid silver 
nitrate, and ulcers of the mouth and other parts may be touched 
with it. It is an excellent haemostatic for leech-bites. It is also 
applied to smallpox vesicles to prevent pitting, to boils, and to 
the uterus in chronic cervical catarrh. [The iodide possesses the 
general properties of the nitrate]. 

Internal. — Silver salts are not much used internally, and 
their continuous employment is objectionable on account of the 
discoloration of the skin produced. They were formerly often 



168 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

given in nervous diseases ; but there is no evidence that they did 
any good. Although it is said that the compound of silver formed 
in the stomach is non-astringent, silver nitrate will certainly 
check severe diarrhoea, especially that of children. Sixty grains 
[4. gm.] of silver nitrate dissolved in three pints [1500. c. c] of 
■tepid water, and injected high up the rectum, have been used with 
great benefit in dysentery. 

Toxicology. 

The nitrate sometimes causes acute poisoning. 

Symptoms. — These are intense pain in the abdomen and muscular spasm, 
followed by vomiting and purging. The face is livid and covered with per- 
spiration. The vomited matter is black and contains coagulated mucus. 
Chronic poisoning or argyria shows itself by a permanent slaty discoloration of 
the skin, conjunctivae and labial mucous membrane and ulcerations in the 
digestive tract. 

Treatment. — This consists of administering a solution of sodium chloride 
(common salt), soothing the mucous membranes by injection of milk and reliev- 
ing pain with opium. The chronic form is avoided by interrupting the treat- 
ment, using eliminating remedies, and preventing staining of the skin by baths 
of sodium hyposulphite. 



III. ZINCUM. 

Zn.=6 5 .[io]. 
1. ZINCUM.— Zinc. Zn [=65.10.] 






Source. — Roast the native Zinc Sulphide or Carbonate, and reduce the 
resulting Oxide with Charcoal. 

Characters. — A bluish-white metal [in the form of thin sheets, or irreg- 
ular, granulated pieces, or moulded into thin pencils, or in a state of fine 
powder.] 

2. ZINCI CHLORIDUM.— [Zinc Chloride. ZnCl 2 =i35.84. 
• Synonym. — Butter of Zinc. 

Source. — Dissolve Zinc in Hydrochloric Acid by boiling. The solution 
contains Zinc Chloride, with Iron and Lead Chlorides as impurities. These 
are precipitated by adding first Nitric Acid, then Zinc Carbonate. Filter and 
finally evaporate. Zn 2 -(-4HCl=2ZnCl-]-2H 2 . 

Characters. — A white, granular powder, or porcelain-like masses irreg- 
ular, or moulded into pencils ; odorless, of such intensely caustic properties as 
to make tasting dangerous, unless the salt be dissolved in much water, when it 
has an astringent, metallic taste. Very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 0.3 part 
of water; very soluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Iron and lead chlorides, calcium and sulphates. 



THE SALTS OF ZINC. 169 

3 LIQUOR ZINCI CHLORIDI.— Solution of Zinc Chloride. 
Source. — Prepared as above, but [with the addition of water. 
Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid of an astringent, sweetish taste. 
Sp. gr. about 1.535. It contains about 50 per cent, by weight of the salt.] 

Action of Zinc Chloride. 

External. — It is very caustic, penetrating deeply, and 
limited in its effect to the seat of application. It is strongly 
antiseptic, and a solution of it of sp. gr. 2.0, known as Bur- 
nett's fluid, is used as a domestic antiseptic. 

Internal, see Toxicology. 

Therapeutics of Zinc Chloride. 
External. — It is used as a powerful caustic, and is often 
made into sticks with plaster of Paris to destroy warts, naevi, 
condylomata, lupoid patches, etc. For the same purpose it may 
be made into a paste with equal parts of starch or flour. [Can- 
quoin's paste is a mixture of zinc chloride in varying strength 
with wheat flour and water]. Either the liquor, or Burnett's 
fluid, may be employed to wash out bed-pans, closets, etc., but 
zinc chloride is not so commonly used as other antiseptics. 
[Piatt's chlorides are said to consist of various salts of zinc, chiefly 
of the chloride, in saturated solution.] Zinc chloride is not 
given internally. 

4. ZINCI SULPHAS. — [Zinc Sulphate. ZnS0 4 -f-7H 2 0=286.64. 
Synonym. — White Vitriol. 

Source. — Made with Zinc and Sulphuric Acid as the chloride was made 
from Hydrochloric Acid, and with the same precautions for removing impuri- 
ties. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent rhombic crystals, without odor, 
very like Magnesium Sulphate {see p. 154), but having an astringent, metallic 
taste. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water ; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Lead, iron, copper and arsenic. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and other carbonates, lime water, lead acetate, 
silver nitrate, astringent vegetable infusions or decoctions, and milk. 

Dose, % to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] (tonic) : 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 
gm.] (emetic). 

5. ZINCI CARBONAS PRiECIPITATUS.— Precipitated Zinc 
Carbonate. [2(ZnC0 3 ) 3 Zn(OH) 2 ?=546.94 ? 



170 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Source. — Boil together solutions of Zinc Sulphate and Sodium Carbonate. 
3ZnS0 4 +3Na 2 CO s +2H 2 0=2(ZnC0 3 ) 3 Zn(OH) 2 +2C0 8 +3Na a S0 4 . Dry the 

preciptated Zinc Salt. 

Characters. — An impalpable, white powder, of somewhat variable 
chemical composition, without odor or taste. Similar in constitution to Mag- 
nesium Carbonate. Solubility. — Insoluble in water and Alcohol.] 

Impurities.— Sulphates, chlorides and copper. 

6. ZINCI OXIDUM.— [Zinc Oxide. ZnO=8i.o6. 

Source. — Heat the precipitated Carbonate to redness in a crucible. 
2(ZnC0 3 ) 3 Zn(OH) 2 ,= 3 Zn04-3H 2 0+C0 2 . 

Characters. — An amorphous, white, tasteless, and odorless powder. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water and Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — The carbonate and its impurities. 

Dose, i to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Unguentum [Zinci Oxidi. — Ointment of Zinc Oxide. Zinc 
Oxide, 200; Benzoinated Lard, 800; melted together. 

2. Oleatum Zinci. — Oleate of Zinc. Zinc Oxide, 50; Oleic 
Acid, 950.] 

7. ZINCI ACETAS.— [Zinc Acetate. Zn(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 ,+2H 2 0=2i8.74. 
Source. — Dissolve Zinc Oxide in Acetic Acid and water, and boil. 

ZnO-f 2HC 2 H 3 2 =Zn(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 -j-H 2 0. Zinc Acetate crystallizes out. 

Characters. — Soft, white, six-sided monoclinic plates, of a pearly lustre, 
having a faintly acetous odor, and an astringent, metallic taste. Solubility. — 
In 2.7 parts of water; and in 36 parts of Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Those of the precipitated carbonate. 

Incompatibles. — The same as of the sulphate. 

Dose, % to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] (tonic). 

8. [ZINCI BROMIDUM. See Bromine. 

9. ZINCI IODIDUM. See Iodine.] 

10. ZINCI VALBRIANAS. See Valeriana. 

11. [ZINCI PHOSPHIDUM. See Phosphorus.] 

12. ZINCI SULPHOCARBOLAS. See Acidum Carbolicum. 

Action of Zinc Salts. 
External. — These salts when applied to the broken skin or 
an ulcerated surface, are all astringents, acting by precipitating 
the albumin in the discharge and also that in the tissues. Thus 
they resemble lead and silver salts, but as a whole they are less 
powerfully astringent. The most active of them are the sulphate 






THE SALTS OF ZINC. 171 

and acetate, whilst the [precipitated] carbonate and oxide are 
very weak. All these zinc salts are mild haemostatics. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — They all have an astringent 
effect on the gastric and intestinal mucous membranes. The 
sulphate, and to a less degree the [precipitated] carbonate, in 
doses of about 20 gr. [1.20 gm.] are prompt emetics. They 
act directly on the stomach, and have the advantage of producing 
very little depression. 

Remote effects. — Nothing is known about the remote action of 
zinc salts, nor do we know how they act on the blood. It has 
been stated that they are depressant to the nervous system as a 
whole, and that they act as remote astringents, and will therefore 
arrest haemorrhage from the uterus, kidney, etc., but this state- 
ment is probably incorrect. 

Therapeutics of Zinc Salts. 

External.— A solution of the sulphate, generally about [1 to 
240], usually colored red with compound tincture of lavender, 
and then called Lotio Rubra, is very often applied for its 
astringent effect to all sorts of raw surfaces and ulcers, and as 
an injection in gonorrhoea, leucorrhcea, vulvitis or otitis. Plain 
solutions of this strength may be applied to the eye for conjunc- 
tivitis. The oxide and [precipitated] carbonate, either dusted on 
the part or used as an ointment, are in constant use for cases in 
which only a mild astringent effect is desirable. An ointment, 
often known as Unguentum Metallorum, consists of equal 
parts of ointments of zinc oxide, lead acetate, and diluted mer- 
curic nitrate. This is a very good application for many varieties 
of eczema, sores and ulcers. 

Zinc Oleate is an excellent application when a less astringent 
preparation than the sulphate is required. Equal parts of zinc 
oleate, mercury oleate and diachylon ointment {see p. 1 60) form 
an ointment which has the great advantage of being transparent, 
and therefore the progress of the disease can be observed, with- 
out washing off the ointment. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — On account of their disagree- 
able taste, solutions of zinc salts are not used as astringents to 



172 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the mouth. Small doses of the oxide or sulphate may be given 
as astringents in diarrhoea. The sulphate is a very good emetic 
for cases of poisoning, for it acts promptly without causing much 
nausea and hardly any depression. It is occasionally given as an 
emetic to children suffering from laryngitis or bronchitis. 

Remote effects. — Because it is believed to act as a depressant to 
the nervous system, zinc sulphate has been given in hysteria, 
epilepsy, whooping-cough and chorea in doses of i to 3 gr. [.06 
to .20 gm.] thrice a day. Its use is now generally limited to 
chorea, but often its effect is so slow that it is difficult to prove 
that the patient would not have improved quite as rapidly without 
any drug. It is usually said to be a tonic, but there is no trust- 
worthy evidence for this statement. The oxide [Trousseau's pill 
(5 £ r « > -3° g m - °f zmc oxide with 1 gr. ; .06 gm. of extract of 
hyoscyamus)] , given internally will occasionally check the night- 
sweats of phthisis [but it is quite likely to interfere with the 
digestion]. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Zinc Chloride is a corrosive irritant poison, causing a sensation 
of burning in the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, vomiting — the vomit con- 
taining blood, mucus, and shreds of mucous membrane, — violent purging, and 
collapse. [Zinc Sulphate, in large doses, acts as an irritant poison producing 
vomiting, colicky pains, diarrhoea and prostration.] Post-mortem. — The 
appearances are those produced by an acute irritant. 

[Chronic poisoning (rare) resembles that from lead.] 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach, or give emetics [see p. 132), and 
then demulcents ; [lime water, mucilaginous drinks, and albumin freely in the 
form of eggs or milk.] 

IV. CUPRUM. 

01=63.18. 

1. CUPRI SULPHAS.— [Copper Sulphate. CuS0 4 + 5^0=248. 8. 
Synonyms. — Blue Vitriol. Bluestone. Cupric Sulphate. 

Source. — Heat Copper and Sulphuric Acid together, and dissolve the 
soluble product in hot water and evaporate. 2Cu-f-2H 2 S0 4 =2CuS0 4 -f-2H 2 . 

Characters. — Large, transparent, deep blue, tri clinic crystals, odorless, 
of a nauseous, metallic taste. Solubility, — In 2.6 parts of water; almost in- 
soluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurity. — Iron. 



THE SALTS OF COPPER. 173 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and their carbonates, lime water, mineral salts 
(except sulphates), iodides and most vegetable astringents. 

Dose, y% to ]/ z gr. ; [.008 to .03 gra.], (astringent), 2 to 20 gr.; [.12 
to 1.20 gm.] (emetic). 

\_Copper Sulphate is used in preparing Trommer's and Fehling's test for 
sugar.] 

Action of Copper Salts. 

External. — In the solid form copper sulphate is, when applied 
to raw surfaces, a powerful caustic. In dilute solutions it is an 
astringent, acting like zinc sulphate, but more powerfully. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Here also, if very concen- 
trated or given in large doses, copper salts are acute caustic irri- 
tants, but poisoning by them is very rare. In medicinal doses 
copper sulphate is strongly astringent. Five to ten grains 
[.30 to .60 gm.] of the sulphate form a powerful emetic, acting 
directly on the stomach. As it is more irritating than zinc sul- 
phate it acts more readily, but it has the disadvantage that, if it 
fails to act, the stomach must be promptly emptied by some other 
means, for if not the copper sulphate will cause inflammation of it. 

Remote effects. — Copper salts are slowly absorbed, and copper 
is chiefly re-excreted by the liver in the bile. Nothing is known 
of its further effects. 

Therapeutics of Copper Salts. 

External.— The sulphate is applied as a caustic to reduce 
exuberant granulations, and is used for tinea tarsi, being rubbed 
on the edges of the lids ; as it is milder than silver nitrate, it 
causes less pain. The Lapis Divinus, which is often used for 
this last purpose, consists of copper sulphate, potassium nitrate, 
[and alum, of each] 24 parts, [and] camphor 1 part. The first 
three are fused together. The camphor is added, and the mass 
is cast into cylindrical moulds. Lotions of copper sulphate, 
usually about [1 to 240], may be applied as astringents for just 
the same purpose as lotions of zinc sulphate ; but it must be 
remembered that they are more powerful. This is the usual 
strength for solutions which are to be dropped into the eye. 
Rather stronger solutions are mild haemostatics. Copper oleate 



174 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[not official] made with lanolin, into an ointment of a strength 
of 10 to 20 per cent, is an excellent parasiticide for ringworm. 

Internal.— In small doses copper sulphate is valuable for 
severe diarrhoea ; usually it is given by the mouth in the form of 
a pill, but it may be given as a rectal injection. It is a rapid 
emetic, and may be employed in laryngitis and bronchitis in chil- 
dren, and in cases of narcotic poisoning, for which it is useful on 
account of its prompt action. It is [extremely doubtful if it is] 
particularly serviceable in phosphorus poisoning, [but] if it is 
used, copper [may be] deposited on the phosphorus rendering it 
inert. It is usual to give three or four grains [20 to .25 gm.] of 
the sulphate in water every few minutes till vomiting takes place. 
After emetic doses of copper sulphate, there is generally only 
one act of vomiting, but by that the stomach is completely 
emptied. Very little is known about the remote action of salts 
of copper, but it is stated that the sulphate will cure chlorosis, 
[and it has been recommended for the treatment of syphilis.] 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Large doses act as gastrointestinal irritants. Small doses 
taken for a long time produce pharyngeal and bronchial catarrh, colic, diar- 
rhcea, salivation, anaemia, wasting and jaundice. The liver becomes fatty and 
occasionally nervous symptoms are seen. 

[ Treat7?ient. — For acute poisoning give albumin, milk or magnesia. Potas- 
sium ferrocyanide is the chemical antidote. Then promptly empty the stomach 
and saturate the system with potassium iodide.] 

V. BISMUTHUM. 

Bi=[2o8.o. 
1. BISMUTHI SUBCARBONAS.— Bismuth Subcarbonate. (Bi- 

0) 2) C0 3 +H 2 0?= 5 27.53? 

Source. — Dissolve Purified Bismuth in Nitric Acid and water, decant 
and filter, mix with Ammonia Water ; the precipitate is washed and dis- 
solved in Nitric Acid, and poured into a solution of Sodium Carbonate, the 
resulting precipitate is collected and washed. The final reaction is 2Bi(N0 3 ) 3 
+ 3Na 2 C0 3 + H 2 0=(BiO) 2 ,C0 3 -f- H 2 + 6NaN0 3 -f 2C0 2 . The preci- 
pitated Carbonate is separated by filtration. 

Characters. — A white or pale yellowish-white powder, of somewhat 
varying chemical composition, odorless and tasteless. Solubility. — Insoluble 
in water and Alcohol.] 



THE SALTS OF BISMUTH. 175 

Impurities. — Lead, arsenic, chorides and nitrates. 
Dose, 5 to 60 gr.; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

2. BISMUTHI SUBNJTRAS.— [Bismuth Subnitrate. BiON0 3 -f 
H 2 0?=- 3 04.7i?.] 

Source. — Dissolve Purified Bismuth in Nitric Acid and water, concen- 
trate by evaporation, pour in more water, and stir thoroughly, wash and dry 
the precipitated Subnitrate. [Bi 2 + 6HN0 3 =:2Bi(N0 3 ) 3 -t-3H 2 and Bi(N0 3 ) 3 
+H 2 0=BiON0 3 +2HN0 3 . 

Characters. — A heavy, white powder, of somewhat varying chemical 
composition, odorless and almost tasteless. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in 
water; soluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — As of the subcarbonate. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

[Bismuth subnitrate is used to prepare Neylander's test for glucose in 
urine. ] 

3. BISMUTHI CITRAS.— [Bismuth Citrate. BiC 6 H 5 7 =3 9 7. 4 4. 
Source. — Boil Bismuth Subnitrate, 100; in Citric Acid, 70; dissolved in 

sufficient water. Wash the Precipitate and dry. BiON0 3 -fH 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 
H 2 0=BiC 6 H 5 7 4-N0 4 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — A white, amorphous micro-crystalline powder. Solubil- 
ity. — Insoluble in water ; soluble in Ammonia. 

Impurities. — As of the subcarbonate.] 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; [.06 to .20 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Bismuthi et Ammonii Citras — [Bismuth and Ammonium 
Citrate. 

Source. — Mix Bismuth Citrate, 100; with distilled water to make 
a paste, heat, add Ammonia Water to make a solution, filter, evaporate, 
and dry on plates of glass. 

Characters. — Small, shining, pearly or translucent scales, of a 
slightly acidulous and metallic taste. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water; sparingly soluble in Alcohol.] 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [12 to .30 gm.] 

4. BISMUTHI SALICYLAS.— [Bismuth Salicylate (Not official.)— 

Bi(C 7 H 5 3 ) 3 Bi 2 3 =io8 4 .59 

Source. — It is prepared by diluting a Glycerin solution of crystallized 
Bismuthous Nitrate with water, and decomposing this with a concentrated 
aqueous solution of Sodium Salicylate ; the precipitate is well washed with hot 
water and carefully dried. It contains about 76 per cent, of Bismuth Oxide 
and 24 per cent, of Salicylic Acid. 



176 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — It is a soft white powder. Solubility. — Insoluble in 
water, Glycerin and Ether, but soluble in acids. 
Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action of Bismuth Salts. 

External. — Bismuth salts have no action on the unbroken 
skin. Dusted on a raw surface they form a protecting coat, and 
are very mildly astringent. [For this purpose the tribromo- 
phenate and subgallate, the latter also known as dermatol (both 
unofficial), are preferable.] 

Internal. — It was formerly believed that bismuth subnitrate 
and subcarbonate were severe gastro-intestinal irritants, but this 
effect was due to the arsenic with which so many specimens of 
bismuth salts were contaminated. When pure, it is probable 
that these salts, like any bland heavy powder, act chiefly as pro- 
tectees to the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane ; [for gastric 
ulcer the subnitrate is to be chosen]. They have a slight 
astringent action. It is. stated that they are slowly absorbed 
and excreted in the urine [Bergeret and Mayencon]. Nothing 
is known of any remote effects. Bismuth leaves the rectum as the 
sulphide, and colors the faeces black. 

Therapeutics of Bismuth Salts. 

External. — Bismuth salts may be dusted on sores as protec- 
tives and mild astringents. The following is a good bismuth 
ointment : — Bismuth oxide [official in B. P.] 1 part, and oleic 
acid 8 parts, stirred in with 3 parts of white wax liquefied by 
heat, and with 9 parts of soft paraffin. The subnitrate is some- 
times snuffed up the nose during a cold. 

Internal. — The subnitrate and the subcarbonate are chiefly 
employed, and they seem to be more efficient than the soluble prepa- 
rations. [Soluble bismuth salts when absorbed are likely to act as 
active irritant poisons and for this reason, should not be used.] The 
insoluble preparations must be suspended in mucilage ; given thus 
they are more efficacious than as a lozenge. It is not known how 
the effect is produced, but either of these salts is remarkably efficient 
in removing gastric pain, whether due to ulcer or to gastritis, or 
even when no cause can be detected. For their astringent action 



- r\ 



THE SALTS OF BISMUTH. 177 

they are given in diarrhoea, doses of 60 gr. [4. gm.] being adminis- 
tered without any ill effect. They appear sometimes to check the 
severe diarrhoea of tuberculous ulceration of the bowel. [For 
internal use the phenate and naphtolate (neither are official) are 
preferable to the inorganic salts. They are employed in the same 
dose.] Their efficacy as gastric anodynes and gastric astringents 
is much increased by combination with a little morphine, and if 
given as gastric sedatives the addition of sodium bicarbonate as 
well as the morphine is an advantage. In such a prescription 
the bismuth subcarbonate is preferable to the subnitrate, for the 
latter may act on the sodium bicarbonate and lead to the pro- 
duction of sufficient carbon [dioxide] to drive the cork out of the 
bottle. The salicylate has been largely used in various gastric 
disorders. It is supposed to combine the virtues of bismuth salts 
with the antiseptic action of salicylic acid. [Bismuth salicylate 
probably passes through the stomach unchanged to be broken up 
in the small intestine when it acts as an unirritating antiseptic. 
It has been proved to be a valuable remedy in the treatment of 
diarrhoeas, typhoid fever and catarrhs of the alimentary tract. 
Heuppe's observations in Asiatic cholera prove that the tribromo- 
phenate is a valuable intestinal antiseptic] 

Toxicology. 

When applied in large quantity to an exterior wounded surface sufficient 
bismuth.may be absorbed to produce poisoning. This may also occur if gly- 
cerin is used to form an emulsion for injection into closed cavities (abscesses, 
joint-disease). 

Symptoms. — These are acute stomatitis with a peculiar blackish discolora- 
tion of the mucous membrane, generally upon the borders of the teeth and 
extending over the whole mouth, ulceration of the mucous membrane, intestinal 
catarrh, pain and diarrhoea. Even desquamative nephritis may be set up. 

Treatment. — Use demulcents. 
12 



178 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP V. 

Ferrum Manganum. 

These two drugs will cure many forms of anaemia, and their physiological 
action [may be] similar. 

i. FERRUM. 

Fe= 55 .88. 

1. FERRUM. — [Metallic Iron in form of fine, bright and non-elastic 
wire. ] 

Metallic Iron is pharmacopoeial in two forrm, viz. , this and reduced iron. 
Metallic Iron is used to prepare Ferri Iodidum Saccharatum, Ferri Chlori- 
dum, Liquor Ferri Chloridi, and Syrupus Ferri Iodidi. 

2. FERRUM REDUCTUM- Reduced Iron. [Synonyms.— Que- 
venne's Iron. Iron by Hydrogen.] Metallic Iron with a variable amount of 
oxide. 

Source. — [Hydrogen gas is passed through a hot, closed tube which con- 
tains freshly prepared, thoroughly washed Ferric Oxide. Fe 2 3 -f-3H 2 — Fe 2 -f- 
3H 2 0. 

Characters. — A very fine grayish-black lustreless] powder, strongly 
attracted by the magnet, without odor or taste. \_Solubility . — Insoluble in water 
or Alcohol.] 

Impurity. — Sulphur. 

[ Reduced Iron is used to make Pilulse Ferri Iodidi and Ferri Iodidum Sac- 
charatum. 

Dose, i to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

The following (viz., the sulphate, the carbonate, [the iodide and the lac- 
tate)] are ferrous salts, that is to say, salts of the lower Oxide, FeO. 

' 3. FERRI SULPHAS.— [Ferrous Sulphate. FeS0 4 -f 7^0=277.42. 
Synonyms. — If impure, Copperas. Green Vitriol. 

Source. — Iron Wire is dissolved by boiling in Sulphuric Acid and water. 
The sulphate is crystallized out. Fe 2 -f-2H 2 S0 4 =2FeSO it -{-2H 2 . 

Characters, — Large pale, bluish-green monoclinic prisms, having a 
saline], styptic taste. Solubility. — In 1.8 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Ferric salts and copper. 

Ferrous Sulphate is tised to make Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus, Liquor 
Ferri Subsulphatis, Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis, and Massa Ferri Carbonatis. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 gr.; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Ferri Sulphas Exsiccatus. — [Dried Ferric sulphate. Ap- 
proximately 2FeS0 4 -f3H 2 0—357.28. 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 179 

Source. — Allow the sulphate to effloresce at 104 F. ; 40 C, and 
heat in a porcelain dish until it weighs 64 to 65 parts. 

Characters. — A grayish-white powder, slowly but completely 
soluble in water.] 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Dried Ferrous Sulphate is used to make Pilulae Aloes et Ferri. 

2. Ferri Sulphas Granulatus. — [Granulated Ferrous Sulphate. 

FeSO,+ 7H 2 0=277.42. 

Source. — Dissolve Ferrous Sulphate, 100; in diluted Sulphuric 
Acid, 5 ; and Distilled Water, 100 ; pour upon it Alcohol, 25 ; and 
filter, wash and dry the precipitate. 

Characters. — Pale, bluish-green, crystalline powder, which con- 
forms to the reactions of the sulphate.] 

Impurities. — The same as of the sulphate. 

Dose, ]/ z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

3. Mistura Ferri Composita. — Compound Iron Mixture. Syn- 
onym. — Griffith's mixture. [Ferrous Sulphate, 7 ; Potassium Carbon- 
ate, 8; Myrrh, 18; Sugar, 18; Spirit of Lavender, 60; Rose Water to 
1000. It is a dark-green mixture containing Ferrous Carbonate, for 
Ferrous Sulphate and Potassium Carbonate react on each other. 

Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr. ; [8. to 15. c. c] 

4. Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis — [Pills of Ferrous Carbonate. Syn- 
onyms. — Ferruginous pills. Chalybeate pills. Blaud's pills. 

Ferrous Sulphate, 16; Potassium Carbonate, 8; Sugar, 4 ; Traga- 
canth, 1 ; Althaea, 1 gm., Glycerin and water; to make 100 pills. 
Dose, 1 to 2 pills.] 

4. FERRI CARBONAS SACCHARATUS.— [Saccharated Fer- 
rous Carbonate. A powder containing Ferrous Carbonate FeC0 3 , made from 
Ferrous Sulphate, 50; Sodium Bicarbonate, 35; Sugar, and distilled water by 
solution and filtration. 

Characters. — A greenish-brown powder, of a sweetish, afterwards 
slightly ferruginous taste.] It is a very unstable compound, being easily 
oxidized. Solubility. — Only partially in water. 

Impurities.— [Sodium] Sulphate and excess of Ferrous Oxide. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm.] 

5. [MASSA FERRI CARBONATIS.— Mass of Ferrous Carbonate. 
Synonym. — Vallet's Mass. Ferrous Sulphate, 100; Sodium Carbonate, 100; 
Clarified Honey, 38 ; Sugar, 25 ; Syrup and distilled water to 100. By solution? 
precipitation and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 



180 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

6. FERRI IODIDUM SACCHARATUM.— Saccharated Ferrous 

Iodide. 

Source. — From Iron Wire, 6; Reduced Iron, I ; Iodine, 17; distilled 
water, Sugar of Milk to 100. By solution, nitration, evaporation and tritura- 
tion. 

Characters. — A yellowish-white powder, very hygroscopic, odorless, 
having a sweetish ferruginous taste. Solubility. — In 7 parts of water; only 
partially soluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

7. SYRUPUS FERRI IODIDI.— [Syrup of Ferrous Iodide. A 
syrupy liquid, containing 10 per cent, by weight of Ferrous Iodide. Iron 
Wire, 25 ; Iodine, 83; Syrup and distilled water, a sufficient quantity to 1000. 

Characters. — A transparent, pale-green liquid, odorless, having a sweet 
strongly ferruginous taste and a neutral reaction. Sp. gr. about 1.353. 
Dose, 5 to 30 m.; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

8. PILULE FERRI IODIDI.— [Pills of Ferrous Iodide. Triturate 
Reduced Iron 4, with Iodine 5, and water; add Glycyrrhiza 1, Sugar 4, Ex- 
tract of Glycyrrhiza I, and Acacia 1 gm., with sufficient water, Balsam of 
Tolu and Ether, and evaporate to make 100 pills.] To be preserved from 
light and air as much as possible, as they do not keep well. 

Dose, 1 to 2 pills. 

9. FERRI LACTAS.— [Ferrous Lactate. Fe(C 3 H 5 3 ) 2 +3H 2 0= 
287.34. 

Source. — By crystallization from a solution of Lactic Acid and Iron in 
distilled water. 

Characters. — Pale, greenish-white crusts, consisting of small needle- 
shaped crystals, having a slight, peculiar odor, and a mild, sweetish ferruginous 
taste. Solubility. — In. 40 parts of water, and almost insoluble in Alcohol. 

Ferrous Lactate is used in Syrupus Hypophosphitum cum Ferro. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr.; .06 to .30 gm.] 

The following (viz., the Chloride, the Tersulphate, the Nitrate, the Sub- 
sulphate, the Citrate, the Acetate, the Hydrate [the Ammonium Sulphate, the 
Hypophosphite and the Valerianate] are Ferric Salts : they are compounds of 
the higher Oxide, Fe 2 3 . Most are official in the form of liquors. 

10. [FERRI CHLORIDUM. - Ferric Chloride. Fe 2 Cl 6 +i 2 H 2 0= 

539-5- 

Source. — Iron Wire, 15 ; Hydrochloric Acid, and distilled water to 60. 
By solution in water with heat, filtration, addition of Nitric Acid, and crystal- 
lization. 

Characters. — Orange-yellow, crystalline pieces, very deliquescent, 
having a faint odor of Hydrochloric Acid and strongly styptic taste. Solu- 
bility. — Freely in water, Alcohol and Ether.] 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 181 

ii. LIQUOR FERRI CHLORIDI.— [Solution of Ferric Chloride. 
An aqueous solution of Ferric Chloride (Fe 2 Cl 6 =323.o,8), containing about 
37.8 per cent, of the Anhydrous Salt, or corresponding to about 13 per cent 
of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — Dissolve Iron Wire, 15.8, in Hydrochloric Acid, 870, and 
water to 1 000. Fe-L.2HCl=FeCl 2 -|-H 2 . Nitric Acid is also added, and 
thus the Ferrous is converted into Ferric Chloride. 6FeCl 2 -(-6HCl-(-2HN0 3 
= 3 Fe 2 Cl 6 + 4 H 2 0+2NO. 

Characters. — A reddish-brown liquid, having a faint odor of Hydro- 
chloric Acid, and an acid, strongly stypic taste. Sp. gr. about 1.387.] 

Impurities. — Ferrous salts. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m.; [.12 to .60 ex.] 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Ferri Chloridi. — [Tincture of Ferric Chloride. 
Solution of Ferric Chloride, 250 ; Alcohol to 1000. 

Characters. — A bright, brownish liquid, having a slightly ether- 
eal odor, a very astringent, styptic taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. 
about 0.960.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; [.30 to 4.00 c.c] 

2. Liquor Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis. — [Solution of Iron and 
Ammonium Acetate. Synonym. — Basham's Mixture. Tincture of 
Ferric Chloride, 20 ; diluted Acetic Acid, 30 ; Solution of Ammonium 
Acetate, 200; Aromatic Elixir, 100; Glycerin, 120; water to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. ex.] 

12. LIQUOR FERRI TERSULPHATIS.— [Solution of Ferric 
Sulphate. An aqueous solution of normal Ferric Sulphate (Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 = 
399.2), containing about 28.7 per cent, of the salt, and corresponding to about 
8 per cent, of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — A hot solution of Ferrous Sulphate, 400 ; in Sulphuric Acid, 
78 ; and water, is boiled with Nitric Acid and water to 1000. 6FeS0 4 4~ 
3H 2 SOa-2HN0 3 = 3 Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 +4H 2 04-2NO, 

Characters. — A dark reddish-brown liquid, having an acid, strongly 
styptic taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. about 1.320.] 

13. LIQUOR FERRI NITRATIS.— [Solution of Ferric Nitrate. 
Fe 2 (N0 3 ) 6 =483.i. An aqueous solution containing about 6.2 per cent, of the 
Anhydrous Salt, and corresponding to about 1.4 per cent, of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — Precipitate Ferric Sulphate, 180; with Ammonia water, 160; 
wash thoroughly and dissolve in Nitric Acid, 71 ; distilled water to 1000. 

Characters. — A clear, amber-colored or reddish liquid, having an acid, 
styptic taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. about 1.050.] 

Impurities. — Ferrous salts. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; [.12 to .60 c.c] 



182 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

14. LIQUOR FERRI SUBSULPHATIS.— [Solution of Ferric 
Subsulphate. Synonym. — Monsel's solution. An aqueous solution of Basic 
Ferric Sulphate of variable chemical composition, corresponding to about 13.6 
per cent, of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — From Ferrous Sulphate, 675 ; Sulphuric Acid, 65 ; Nitric Acid, 
65 ; distilled water to 1000. 

Characters. — A dark, reddish-brown liquid, odorless, having an acid, 
strongly styptic taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. about 1. 550. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c] 

15. LIQUOR FERRI CITRATIS.— [Solution of Ferric Citrate. 
An aqueous solution of Ferric Citrate, corresponding to about 7.5 per 

cent, of Metallic Iron. 

Source. — From solution of Ferric Sulphate, 1050 ; in water; precipitation 
with Ammonia Water, 880 ; with addition of Citric Acid, 300 ; filtration and 
evaporation of filtrate to 1 000. 

Characters. — A dark-brown liquid, odorless, having a slightly ferru- 
ginous taste, and an acid reaction. Sp. gr. 1.250. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m.; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

16. LIQUOR FERRI ACETATIS.— [Solution of Ferric Acetate. 
Fe 2 (C 2 H 3 2 ) 6 =464.92. An aqueous solution of Ferric Acetate. 

Source. — Ferric Sulphate, 1000 ; is precipitated with a solution of Am- 
monia Water, 850. Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 -f 6NH 4 OH = Fe 2 (OH) 6 -f 3(NH 4 ) 2 S0 4 . 
The resulting hydrate is dissolved in Glacial Acetic Acid, 260. Fe 2 (OH) 6 -|- 
6HC 2 H 3 2 =Fe 2 (C 2 H 3 2 ) 6 +6H 2 0. 

Characters. — A dark, reddish-brown, clear liquid of an acetous odor, a 
sweetish, acidulous, somewhat styptic taste. Sp. gr. about 1. 1 60. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m.; .12 to .60 c.c] 

17. FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM.— [Ferric Hydrate. Fe 2 
(0H 6 )=2I3.52. Synonyms. — Hydrated Ferric Oxide. Ferric Hydroxide. 

Source. — Add to a solution of Ferric Sulphate, 100 Ammonia Water, 
no. The precipitate is Ferric Hydrate. 

Characters. — A reddish-brown magma, wholly soluble in Hydrochloric 
Acid without Effervescence. 

Dose, 1 to 4 dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Emplastrum Ferri. — [Iron Plaster. Synonym. — Strengthen- 
ing Plaster. Ferric Hydrate, 90; Burgundy Pitch, 140 ; Lead Plaster, 
720; Olive Oil, 50.] 

2. Trochisci Ferri. — [Troches of Iron. Ferric Hydrate, 30 ; 
Vanilla, I; Sugar, 100 gm. ; Mucilage of Tragacanth, to make 100 
troches. 

Dose, 1 to 2 troches.] 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 183 

18. FERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM CUM MAGNESIA— 

Ferric Hydrate with Magnesia. [Synonym. — Arsenic Antidote. Solution of 
Ferric Hydrate, 50; add to the Iron, water, 100. Magnesia, 10; add water 
to the Magnesia to 750. Keep in separate bottles. 

Uses. — For arsenical poisoning, for which it should be mixed by adding 
the magnesia mixture gradually to the iron solution, and shaking until a homo- 
geneous mass results. It should be given in large doses and frequently 
repeated.] 

19. FERRI ET AMMONII SULPHAS. — [Ferric Ammonium 
Sulphate. Synonyms. — Ammonio-Ferric Sulphate. Ammonio- Ferric Alum. 
Fe 2 (NH 4 ) 2 (S0 4 ) 4 +2 4 H 2 0= 9 62.i. 

Source. — From crystallization of Ammonium Sulphate in a solution of 
Ferric Sulphate. 

Characters. — Pale, violet, octahedral crystals, efflorescent, odorless, 
having an acid, styptic taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Solubility. — In 3 
parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

20. FERRI HYPOPHOSPHIS. See Phosphorus. 

21. FERRI VALERIANAS. See Valeriana.] . 

The following are scale preparations of Iron, so called because they are 
dried to form scales. They are not well-defined chemical compounds. There 
are [nine — the Soluble Phosphate, Iron and Potassium Tartrate,] Iron and 
Ammonium Citrate, [Iron and Strychnine Citrate, Iron and Ammonium Tar- 
trate, the Citrate, Iron and Quinine Citrate, the soluble Iron and Quinine 
Citrate, the soluble Pyrophosphate. 

22. FERRI PHOSPHAS SOLUBILIS.— Soluble Ferric Phos- 
phate. It consists of Ferric Phosphate, with some Oxides. 

Source. — Dissolve Ferric Citrate, 50; in distilled water, 100; add 
Sodium Phosphate, 55. Evaporate and dry on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, bright green, transparent scales, having an acidu- 
lous, slightly saline taste. Solubility. — Freely and completely in water. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Ferri, Quininae et Strychninae Phosphatum. — Syrup 
of the Phosphates of Iron, Quinine and Strychnine. See Easton's 
Syrup, p. 195. Dissolve Soluble Ferric Phosphate, 20; in water, 50; 
and add Phosphoric Acid, 48; Quinine Sulphate, 30; and Strychnine, 
t 2 q ; with Syrup, Glycerin and distilled water, to 1000. 

Dose, yi to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. c.c. 



184 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

23. FERRI ET POTASSII TARTRAS.— Iron and Potassium Tar- 
trate. Synonym. — Potassio-Ferric Tartrate. 

Source. — Add the solution of Ferric Sulphate, 100; in water, 1300; to 
Ammonia Water, 110; with water, 250; filter, add water, 1500 ; heat with 
Potassium Bitaitrate, 38 ; and filter. Dry the precipitate on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red to reddish-brown scales, 
having a sweetish, slightly ferruginous taste. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water, insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Ammonia and Ferrous Salts. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

24. FERRI ET AMMONII CITRAS — [Iron and Ammonium Ci- 
trate. Synonym. — Ammonio-Ferric Citrate. 

Source. — From evaporation of a solution of Ferric Citrate, 100; with 
Ammonia Water, 40 ; to consistency of syrup. Dry the precipitate on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red scales, having a saline, 
mildly ferruginous taste, deliquescent. Solubility. — Very soluble in water; 
insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — Alkaline salts. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparation. 

[Vinum Ferri Citratis. — Wine of Ferric Citrate. ' Iron and Am- 
monium Citrate, 40; Tincture of Sweet Orange' Peel, 150; Syrup, 100; 
White Wine, to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

25. FERRI ET STRYCHNINE CITRAS.— Iron and Strychnine 
Citrate. 

Source. — Dissolve Iron and Ammonia Citrate, 9S ; in distilled water, 
100 ; and Strychnine, I ; Citric Acid, 1 ; in distilled water, 20. Mix the solu- 
tions, evaporate to the consistency of syrup and spread on plates of glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red, to yellowish-brown scales, 
having a bitter, slightly ferruginous taste. Solubility. — Completely in water. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm. 

26. FERRI ET AMMONII TARTRAS.— Iron and Ammonium 
Tartrate. Synonym. — Ammonio-Ferric Tartrate. 

Source. — Add solution of Ferric Sulphate, 100 ; to Ammonia Water, 
no ; diluted with cold water, 250; filter, dissolve the precipitate in Tartaric 
Acid, 29, dissolved in distilled water; filter and evaporate to a syrupy con- 
sistence and dry on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent scales, from garnet-red to reddish- 
brown, having a sweetish, slightly ferruginous taste. Solubility. — Very soluble 
in water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 185 

27. FERRI CI TR AS.— Ferric Citrate. 

Source. — By evaporation of the Solution of Ferric Citrate to a syrupy 
consistency and drying on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, garnet-red scales, odorless, having a 
slightly ferruginous taste and an acid reaction. Solubility. — Completely in 
water; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

28. FERRI ET QUININE CITRAS.— [Iron and Quinine Ci- 
trate. 

Source. — Dissolve Ferric Citrate, 85 ; in distilled water, 160 ; dissolve 
Quinine, 12; and Citrate Acid, 3; in distilled water, 20 ; mix these solutions, 
evaporate to a syrupy consistency and dry on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent, reddish-brown scales of a bitter, mildly 
ferruginous taste. Solubility. — Slowly but completely in water. Contains at 
least 1 1.5 per cent, of dried Quinine.] 

Impurities. — Alkaline Salts and other alkaloids instead of quinine. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm. 

29. FERRI ET QUININE CITRAS SOLUBILIS.— Soluble 
Iron and Quinine Citrate. 

Source. — Dissolve Ferric Citrate, 85; in distilled water, 160; by heat- 
ing; add Quinine, 12 ; Citric Acid, 3; previously triturated in distilled water, 
20 ; mix these solutions and stir with Ammonia Water, 50 ; evaporate to a 
syrupy consistency and dry on gla^s. 

Characters. — Thin, transparent scales, of a greenish, golden-yellow 
color, having a bitter, mildly ferruginous taste ; deliquescent. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

Preparation. 

Vinum Ferri Amarum. — Bitter Wine of Iron. Soluble Iron and 
Quinine Citrate, 50; Tincture of Sweet Orange Peel, 150 ; Syrup, 300 ; 
White Wine to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

30. FERRI PYROPHOSPHAS SOLUBILIS.— Soluble Ferric 
Pyrophosphate. 

Source. — By solution of Ferric Citrate, 50 ; Sodium Pyrophosphate, 50 ; 
in distilled water, 100; evaporation and drying on glass. 

Characters. — Thin, apple-green, transparent scales, odorless, having an 
acidulous, slightly saline taste and a slightly acid reaction. Solubility. — Freely 
in water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, i to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

31. FERRI ARSENAS. [B. P. Not official.] Iron Arsenate. 



186 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[3Fe(FeO)As0 4 +i6H 2 0=io86.74„] It consists of both ferrous and ferric 
arsenates, with some oxides. 

SOURCE. — Mix hot solutions of Sodium Arsenate and Iron Sulphate, add 
Sodium Bicarbonate to neutralize the free Sulphuric Acid that is formed when 
Iron Arsenate is precipitated. 

Characters. — A greenish, amorphous powder, insoluble in water. 

Impurities. — Sulphates. 

Dose, Jg to yi gr. ; [.004 to .03 gm.] as a pill. 

32. FERRUM DIALYSATUM.— Dialyzed Iron. [Not official.] 

Source. — By heating a solution of Ferric Chloride with Ammonia, Ferric 
Hydrate being precipitated, this being redissolved by agitation, is placed in a 
dialyzer and suspended in water, which is renewed so long as it shows a trace 
of Hydrochloric Acid. 

Composition. — Its composition varies from Fe 2 Cl 6 , i2Fe 2 3 to Fe 2 Cl 6 , 
95Fe 2 3 , and is a 10 per cent, solution of Ferric Oxy chloride in water. 

Characters. — A. reddish-brown liquid, free from astringent, styptic taste. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; [.60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Incompatibles of Iron Salts in General. — All substances containing 
tannic or gallic acid form an intense black with ferric salts. Preparations of 
iron are therefore incompatible with all vegetable astringent solutions, and the 
only infusions with which they can be prescribed are infusions of quassia and 
of calumba. It is a common mistake to forget that because of its tannin, the 
tincture as well as the infusion of digitalis makes an inky mixture with iron 
preparations. Such a mixture may be clarified with a little diluted phosphoric 
acid, but after a few days a slight precipitate of ferric phosphate falls. Ferric 
salts render mucilage of acacia gelatin us. 

Alkalies and their carbonates, lime water, calcium carbonate, magnesia 
and magnesium carbonate give green precipitates with ferrous, and brown with 
ferric salts. 

Action of Iron and its Salts. 

External. — They have no action on the unbroken skin, but 
when applied locally to the abraded skin, sores, ulcers, and 
mucous membranes, many of the iron salts, especially the [ferric] 
salts, are powerful astringents, because they coagulate 
albuminous fluids, both those discharged from the surface and 
also those in the tissue itself. There is no direct effect on the 
walls of the vessels, but the contraction of the coagulated albu- 
min compresses them and diminishes their calibre. Partly for 
this reason, but still more because these salts of iron quickly 
cause the coagulation of blood, and the clot thus formed plugs 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 187 

the bleeding vessels, they are the most perfect local haemosta- 
tics we possess, and will often arrest very severe haemorrhage. 
[Ferric] chloride, the nitrate, and ferrous sulphate are all very 
strongly astringent ; but. the scale preparations, reduced iron, 
ferrous carbonate, ferric hydrate, ferrous iodide, ferric phosphate 
and ferric acetate are so very feebly astringent that they are never 
used as local applications ; in fact, to most persons they are non- 
astringent. Ferric oxides have the property of converting oxy- 
gen into ozone, and are therefore disinfectant. 

Internal. — Mouth. — Preparations of iron have a styptic 
taste, the teeth and tongue may be blackened when they are 
taken, owing to the formation of ferrous sulphide, the sulphur 
being derived from the food and the tartar on the teeth ; hence 
it is advisable to take iron preparations through a glass tube [and 
immediately afterwards to brush the teeth. The free acid in the 
tincture of ferric chloride will destroy the enamel of the teeth, 
even if diluted with eight parts of water.] The astringent pre- 
parations have, when locally applied, the same action on the 
mucous membrane of the mouth as on the raw skin. 

Stomach. — Whatever form of iron is given by the mouth, it is 
converted in the stomach into ferric chloride, with probably a 
little ferrous chloride. Long experience has shown that ferric 
chloride is to the physician a most valuable preparation of iron ; 
probably this is because it will not abstract hydrochloric acid 
from the gastric juice, as is the case with all other preparations 
of iron. It is often stated that an iron albuminate is formed in 
the stomach ; this is incorrect, and when the iron albuminate is 
given by the mouth it will be converted into a chloride in the 
stomach. Although whatever form of iron is administered ferric 
chloride is formed in the stomach, the choice of the preparation 
is a matter of great importance, for if strongly acid salts are 
given, the acid set free after the formation of the chloride will 
act as a caustic, and damage the mucous membrane ; even the 
preparations of the chloride may do this, for they often contain 
a considerable amount of free acid. These facts explain why 
iron preparations, especially the acid ones, so often cause head- 
ache, nausea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms of severe in- 



188 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

digestion. We also learn why experience has taught that the 
sulphate, which is so often used, should be given in the form of a 
pill, for this, if specially coated, is not dissolved till the intestine 
is reached, and the acid is harmless in the alkaline solutions of 
that part of the alimentary canal. Further, we see why the pre- 
parations which are either not acid at all or only very slightly 
acid, such as reduced iron, ferric hydrate, ferrous carbonate and 
the scale preparations, do not as a rule cause indigestion [but it 
can also be said that they are generally not so efficient as the 
stronger preparations. However, this free acid ma)- be neutral- 
ized by the addition of sodium bicarbonate, so that the tincture 
of ferric chloride will be acid only so far as the basic ferric chlo- 
ride has an acid reaction ; nor does this neutralization impair its 
therapeutic properties, for hydrochloric acid is added to it in the 
stomach. An effective preparation is now made, in which these 
disadvantages of the tincture of ferric chloride are removed, 
which is known as Weld's syrup of ferric chloride.] Ferric 
chloride is very astringent, hence the astringent effect on the 
stomach of iron salts. The non-astringent preparations can only 
be astringent in proportion to the amount of ferric chloride 
formed from the gastric juice ; but if large quantities of astrin- 
gent preparations are given, the excess which is not decomposed 
by the gastric juice will add its astringency to that of the ferric 
chloride formed in the stomach. 

Intestines. — On passing into the intestines, the contents of 
which are alkaline from sodium carbonate, ferric chloride 
becomes ferric oxide, which remains in solution owing to the 
presence of organic substances; ferrous chloride is converted 
into ferrous carbonate, which is also soluble. Lower down in the 
intestine, by the action of the sulphur compounds, the nascent 
hydrogen, and other readily oxidizable products of decomposi- 
tion there present, these compounds of iron are converted into 
the sulphide and tannate (the tannic acid being derived from the 
vegetables in the food), and as such are eliminated with the 
faeces, which are turned black. Large amounts of the astringent 
preparations have a constipating effect ; this may be owing to 
there being an excess of them, for the oxides and carbonates are 
non-astringent preparations. 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 189 

Absorption. — It was for a long time believed that iron, given 
as a drug, was absorbed as an alkaline albuminate and as a chlo- 
ride, but this is almost certainly erroneous. Some authorities 
doubt, however, whether iron, when administered as any of the 
iron preparations used in medicine, is absorbed at all. Thus a 
dog was fed on a meat diet ; the amount of iron excreted in the 
urine was on the average [.056 gr.] ; .0036 gm. a day. Then for 
nine days [.75 gr.] ; .049 gm. of ferrous sulphate were given daily; 
for the first five subsequent days the excretion of iron in the urine 
did not increase, for the next six it increased by only [-J^- gr.] 
.002 gm. a day, afterwards it returned to the normal amount ; 
so that with an increase of [over 7 gr.] ; .441 gm. of iron 
ingested, only [ T 3 g gr.]; .012 gm. more than usual appeared in 
the urine. It is very likely that this slight excess in excretion 
may have been due to the fact that the large amount of iron 
taken corroded the intestinal epithelium, which therefore allowed 
a little iron to be absorbed. This experiment appears to show 
that no appreciable amount of iron, given as a drug, is absorbed, 
but it does not prove it for it is possible that it may have been locked 
up in the body, or eliminated by some other channel than the urine; 
and of these suppositions the most likely is, that it was excreted 
from the blood into the intestine. It is often stated that the ex- 
cretion of iron into the intestine takes place by the bile, but the 
most recent observations of Bunge and Hamburger show that the 
bile contains the merest traces of iron. In favor of iron being 
excreted into the intestines by the intestinal and gastric juices is 
the fact that the faeces of a fasting dog contain iron, but it is 
very little, and it must be remembered that the epithelium of the 
intestine, which is Constantly being shed, normally contains iron. 
There is little doubt but that iron salts injected into the blood 
are excreted into the intestine, but this injection causes symptoms 
of poisoning, such as reduced blood-pressure, gastro-intestinal 
irritation, and paralysis of the muscles, due to depression of the 
central nervous system. But as these symptoms never follow the 
administration of large amounts of iron salts by the mouth, it 
would appear that they are not absorbed, and this confirms the 
experiment already described. On the whole, therefore, although 



190 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the question is not definitely settled, the balance of evidence is 
that iron salts given as drugs are not absorbed from the intestine; 
but when discussing the cure of chlorosis by iron we shall [find] 
reasons for thinking that in that disease iron is absorbed. 

Blood. — It is often stated that the administration of iron 
causes, in healthy subjects, an increase in the number of red 
blood-corpuscles, but this is very doubtful. Probably in health 
it has little or no effect on the blood. 

In certain forms of ansemia (a condition in which the amount 
of haemoglobin and the number of corpuscles are diminished), 
especially in chlorosis, the administration of iron rapidly improves 
the blood in both respects. It is therefore said to be hsema- 
tinic ; and as an improvement in the quality of the blood leads 
to an improvement in the functions of all the organs of the body, 
iron is also called a tonic. Tonics are drugs which indirectly 
improve the action of the several organs of the body ; usually 
they act by improving the quality of blood or by aiding digestion, 
and thus rendering the digestion and absorption of the food more 
easy (see p. no). We have seen that some believe that iron is not 
absorbed, and if this be so, it is at first sight difficult to understand 
how it can benefit anaemia. But the proposition that iron salts can- 
not be absorbed only refers to inorganic salts. [The observations of. 
Kunkel, Gaule, Quincke and Hall demonstrate conclusively that 
inorganic salts also are absorbed.] It is obvious that iron in 
some form must be absorbed ; if not, the chicken could not get it 
from the yolk, and the growing child could not increase the 
quantity of its blood proportionately to its growth. It is notice- 
able that our food, like yolk of egg, only contains complex 
organic compounds of iron. As these must be absorbed we may 
conclude that they are in some way or other protected from 
decomposition in the alimentary canal, if we believe the inorganic 
compounds which would result if they were decomposed are 
incapable of absorption. Bunge's hypothesis is, that in some 
forms of anaemia, especially chlorosis, organic salts of iron taken 
in the food are in some way split up in the intestines so as to be 
incapable of absorption. In those anaemic conditions which can 
be benefited by iron the administration of the inorganic salts 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 191 

prevents the decomposition of the organic salts in the food by 
fixing the decomposing agents, which, according to Bunge, are 
chiefly alkaline sulphides and forming iron sulphide. This is sup- 
ported by the fact that to cure chlorosis rapidly enormous doses of 
iron are often found to be necessary ; for example, a patient will 
take 6 gr. [.40 gm.] of reduced iron three times a day, or 18 gr. 
[1.20 gm.] a day. Now, the whole amount of iron in the blood of 
an ordinary healthy woman is not much if at all more than 30 gr. 
[2. gm.], for there is only one atom of iron in a molecule of 
haemoglobin, which contains considerably over 2000 atoms. Sup- 
posing she had lost half her haemoglobin, if the iron given were 
simply absorbed, one day's treatment would speedily restore her 
health, but it is well known that weeks are often required. But if 
this view were correct we should expect that bismuth, manganese, 
or arsenic, by fixing the decomposing agents, would cure chlorosis 
as efficiently as iron. It has been stated that they will, but Stock- 
man has published results that point in a contrary direction, and 
he has shown that iron sulphide will cure chlorosis, although on 
Bunge's hypothesis, it should not ; for it will not fix the decom- 
posing agents if they are alkaline sulphides. Iron injected 
subcutaneously cures chlorosis, but this does not [point] in one 
•direction more than another, for it may be excreted into the 
intestine. But, although there are many facts against Bunge's 
view, still it is by no means proved [but it is extremely probable] 
that iron given to chlorotic patients is absorbed. 

Remote effects. — As iron in anaemic subjects increases the 
amount of haemoglobin, more oxygen is carried to the tissues, 
and thus the whole body shares in the benefit of a course of iron, 
which has also been thought to have a direct effect on the 
kidneys as a mild diuretic, and a direct effect in promoting the 
menstrual flow. These actions are, however, slight, and may be 
due to the general improvement in health. Iron salts have been 
given to produce abortion, but without any result. Remote 
astringent effects have been attributed to them, but there is no 
satisfactory proof that they have any; and, indeed, when we 
remember that very little if any iron is absorbed in an astringent 
form, and it cannot exist in the blood in such a form, we should 



192 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

hardly expect that iron salts could be remotely haemostatic or 
astringent. 

Therapeutics of Iron and its Salts. 

External. — Solutions of the sulphate, chloride, nitrate and 
Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis (Monsel's solution), are the most 
valuable local astringents we have. It matters very little which 
of these is used. In England the solution of the chloride is 
perhaps oftenest employed. Either is of service in many cases — 
for example, to stop haemorrhage from leech-bites, from the nose, 
from piles, or from the uterus, as in the haemorrhage of malig- 
nant disease. A convenient way to apply them is on lint or 
cotton soaked in the solution, and a cavity such as the nose or 
uterus may be plugged with the lint. The aqueous solution of 
the chloride has been used as a spray for haemoptysis, but as it 
may excite coughing, it is not to be recommended. [These pre- 
parations form very disagreeable clots, which readily decompose 
and give rise to septic infection.] It is very useful as an astrin- 
gent for painting on the fauces, pharynx or tonsils in inflamma- 
tion of these parts. It may, for this purpose, be diluted with 
an equal quantity of water, or a solution of i part of [ferric] 
chloride in 4 of glycerin may be used. It has been advised to 
paint erysipelatous skin with the tincture of [ferric] chloride. A. 
solution of the sulphate (1 to 480) has been used in gleet. 

Internal. — G astro-intestinal tract. — The astringent prepara- 
tions may be swallowed in cases of severe bleeding from the 
stomach, such as that of malignant disease, ulcer or cirrhosis. 
If the bleeding is profuse, a drachm ; [4. c. c] of Liquor Ferri 
Chloridi with a drachm; [4 c. c] of glycerin, to facilitate 
swallowing, may be given every hour or oftener, and this will 
sometimes apparently save a patient's life. For less serious 
haemorrhage smaller quantities will suffice. Intestinal haemor- 
rhage may also be treated in the same way. 

The tendency of [ferric] salts to constipate is usually over- 
come by the addition of some purgative; thus, magnesium sul- 
phate is commonly given with the chloride, and aloes is often 
prescribed with [ferrous] sulphate in a pill. [This method, how- 
ever, interferes with the iron in the intestines, and it is better to 



THE SALTS OF IRON. 193 

administer the laxative separately, so that the dose can be regu- 
lated according to circumstances.] The ferric salts have been 
given for diarrhoea, but there are many drugs more suitable for 
this symptom. Chronic constipation is often very effectually 
treated by a pill of [ferrous] sulphate and extract of nux vomica, 
but probably the efficient purgative in it is the nux vomica, 
although some claim that large doses of [ferrous] sulphate will 
overcome chronic constipation. [At least] the constipating effect 
of the ferric salts is often much exaggerated. 

A rectal injection of a fluid drachm [4. c. c] of the tincture 
of ferric chloride to half a pint of water [240. c.c] kills thread- 
worms [the patient being in the knee-chest position]. 

Arsenical poisoning is best treated by the humid ferric oxide, 
which should be freshly prepared by mixing together 3 fl. oz, 
[90. c. c] of Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis with 1 oz. [30. gm.] of 
sodium carbonate diluted with water. Half an ounce [15. c. c] 
should be given every five or ten minutes. An insoluble arsenite 
is formed, and may be gotten rid of by a thoroughly purgative 
dose of magnesium sulphate or some other simple purge. A dose 
of common salt or of sodium bicarbonate, followed by 1 fl. oz. 
[30. c. c] of dialyzed iron, [useless as an iron preparation], 
diluted with water, is also efficient in poisoning by arsenic. [A 
better method of using iron for this purpose is given on p. 183.] 

Blood. — The great use of iron salts is to restore the amount of 
haemogoblin and the number of red corpuscles in anaemia, espe- 
cially chlorosis. They are useless in pernicious anaemia, and 
generally of little value, if any, in the anaemia of leucocythaemia, 
exophthalmic goitre, or Hodgkin's disease. All other common 
forms of anaemia are secondary to some definite cause, such as 
haemorrhage, lead-poisoning, scurvy, etc., and are treated by the 
removal, if possible, of the cause of the anaemia, but recovery 
may be aided by the administration of iron. [Ferric] chloride 
and [ferrous] sulphate are two of the most efficacious preparations, 
and pills containing a grain [.06 gm.] of the dried sulphate, with 
aloes or nux vomica, if constipation is present, are very valuable. 
It is usual to begin with one pill containing one grain [.06 gm.] 
of the dried [ferrous] sulphate thrice a day, but gradually the 
13 



194 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

number of pills may be increased till three or four are taken at a 
dose. This method of large doses of the sulphate often appears 
to cure more rapidly than smaller doses. If these astringent pre- 
parations cause indigestion, any of the milder preparations may 
be substituted. The carbonate may be given in pills in rapidly 
increasing doses, or the dose of reduced iron, conveniently given 
on bread and butter, may be pushed. Mistura Ferri Composita 
[Griffith's Mixture] is a disagreeable preparation to take and to 
look at, and the inky character of the aromatic mixture makes it 
undesirable. The styptic taste of some of the preparations, espe- 
cially the astringent ones, may be concealed by giving them with 
a drachm [4. c. c] of glycerin, which acts by its viscosity and by 
reducing some of the ferric to a ferrous salt. It is often added 
to the tincture of the chloride. The scale preparations hardly 
ever disagree ; they are therefore used for patients with a delicate 
digestion, and for such it is much better to make no attempt to 
rapidly increase the dose, but to depend on small doses spread 
over a long period. Mineral waters containing iron (such- as 
those of La Bourboule and Levico) or the red wines may be given 
in such cases, but they are not often advisable, as they contain 
so little iron. Flitwick water, however, contains a good deal. 
Treatment of anaemia by iron leads, of course, to the improve- 
ment of the numerous symptoms, such as amenorrhoea, constipa- 
tion, dyspepsia, etc., which are dependent upon the anaemia. 
That form of neuralgia which is associated with anaemia usually 
yields to iron. [Ferrous iodide] has been given, sometimes 
apparently with success, in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Large 
doses of iron (10, [.60 c. c] or even 20 minims, [1 20 c. c] of 
the tincture of the chloride every hour or two) have been given 
in diphtheria and other forms of bad sore throat, such as hospital 
sore throat, apparently with considerable benefit. Erysipelas has 
been treated in the same way. Fever due to other causes is said 
to contra-indicate the use of iron. 

Kidney. — Iron salts are reported to have a feeble diuretic 
action, but this is doubtful. The chloride is often given empiri- 
cally for all forms of Bright' s disease. Whether it does good is 
at present undecided. 



THE SALTS OF MANGANESE. 195 

As iron is liable to cause indigestion it should not be given 
near a meal. Occasionally a patient is found who cannot take 
iron in any form, because of the headache and indigestion 
caused by it. 

The different preparations of Iron. — These have already been classified 
into astringent and non-astringent. There are some, viz., the iodide, the 
phosphate, the iron and quinine citrate, and [the iron and strychnine citrate], 
the value of which depends in part at least upon their other ingredients. The 
arsenate must be given in such small doses to avoid arsenical poisoning that 
it is probable that the iron in it has no effect. Hence arsenous acid may just as 
well be given, and this is generally done. [Ferric] phosphate, which always 
contains some free phosphoric acid, is an excellent haematinic. It is used 
largely for children, because the syrup of it is very pleasant in taste, and also 
because it was formerly believed that the phosphoric acid would aid the growth 
of bones, especially in cases of rickets. Parrish's food and Dusart's -syrup 
both have for their chief ingredient ferric phosphate ; the dose of each is % 
to 2 fl. dr. ; [2. to 8. c. c] Easton's syrup [see p. 183] is a syrup of the iron, 
quinine, and strychnine phosphates. It contains in I fl. dr. [4. c. c.J, I gr. 
[.06 gm.] of [ferric] phosphate, 3^ gr. [.045 gm.] of quinine phosphate, and 
J 2 S v - [.002 gm.] of strychnine. The dose is )4 to 1 fl. dr.; [2. to 8. c. c. 
Ferrous] iodide has been introduced for cases in which we wish to gain the 
benefit of both elements, but the proportion of iron to iodine is small (7 to 17). 
It is especially prone to damage the teeth. The iron and quinine citrate com- 
bine the virtues of both iron and quinine. It is a favorite, mild preparation 
for slight cases of anaemia, but must not be prescribed with alkalies, as they 
precipitate the quinine. [Ferratin (not official) is claimed to be the character- 
istic iron compound of the liver. It is an acid albuminate, prepared artifi- 
cially and is used in dose from 1*4 gr. ; .10 gm. to 8 gr. ; .50 gm. No evidence 
experimental or clinical, has as yet been brought forward, which, outside of 
theoretical reasoning, makes the superiority of this over the older iron com- 
pounds probable, (Wood). Since it is practically tasteless it is easily admin- 
istered. Practically all of the albuminates and peptonates to be found in the 
shops are worthless as hgematinics.] 

II. MANGANUM. 

Mn.[= 54 .8.] 

1. MANGANI DIOXIDUM.— [Manganese Dioxide. Mn0 2 =86.72. 
Synonym. — Black Manganese Oxide. 

Source. — Native crude Manganese Dioxide containing at least 66 per 
cent, of the pure Dioxide. 

Characters. — A heavy, grayish-black, more or less gritty powder. Sol- 
ubility. — Insoluble in water or Alcohol. 



196 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. . 

Manganese Dioxide is used for making Chlorine, Corrosive Mercuric 
Chloride and Potassium Permanganate. 
Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; . 12 to .60 gm. 

Uses of Manganese Dioxide. 
It has been used empirically as an emmenagogue and is prob- 
ably the most certain of all when administered in maximum dose. 

2. MANGANI SULPHAS.— Manganese Sulphate. MnS0 4 +4H 2 
=222.46. Synonym. — Manganous Sulphate. 

Source. — By heating the Dioxide with sufficiently strong Sulphuric Acid, 
evaporation and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, or pale, rose-colored, transparent tetragonal 
prisms, having a slightly hitter and astringent taste. Solubility. — In 0.8 part 
of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Zinc, copper, iron and alkalies. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; .12 to .50 gm. 

Uses of Manganese Sulphate. 
It has been used as a cholagogue purgative, but on account 
of its irritating properties it is a very unsafe remedy.] 

3. POTASSII PERMANGANAS- Potassium Permanganate. KMn 

4 [=i57.6 7 ]. 

Source. — Caustic Potash, Potassium Chlorate and Manganese Dioxide 
are heated together. 6KOH+KC10 s +3Mn0 2 =3K 2 Mn0 4 -f KC1+3H 2 0. 
Potassium Manganate is boiled with water till the color changes to purple 
and the Permanganate is formed. 3K 2 Mn0 4 -f-2H 2 0=2KMn0 4 -f 4KOH 
-}-Mn0 2 . The liquid is neutralized with Carbon [Dioxide] and evaporated. 

Characters. — Slender [monoclinic prisms of a dark purple color, almost 
opaque by transmitted, and of a blue, metallic lustre by reflected light, and 
having a taste at first sweet, but afterwards disagreeable and astringent.] 
Solubility. — In 16 parts of water; a grain [.06 gm.] gives a fine purple color 
to a gallon of water [3775. c.c.]. 

Incompatibles. — It is very readily deoxidized in the presence of organic 
matter. It is usually given as a pill or a tabella, and should be made up with 
kaolin, or an explosion will very likely take place. 

Impurities. — Potassium carbonate and manganese dioxide. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Action of Potassium Permanganate. 
External. — In a solid form itr is a mild caustic, and is, when 
kept dry, a permanent salt. Its most important action is that 



THE SALTS OF MANGANESE. 197 

when moist it rapidly gives up its oxygen in the presence of 
organic bodies, and its solutions therefore quickly turn dark 
brown, manganese dioxide being formed. The power possessed 
by its solution of giving up oxygen makes it a disinfectant, 
deodorant, and antiseptic, especially as much of the oxygen 
is in the form of ozone. But its action as a germicide is very 
limited, for it so readily gives up its oxygen to the organic sub- 
stances in which the micro-organisms nourish that it very soon 
becomes inert. 

Internal. — Potassium permanganate, when taken internally, 
must be quickly decomposed. Manganese salts cannot be ab- 
sorbed by the intestine unless its epithelium is damaged. When 
they are injected into the blood they are excreted in the urine 
and into the intestine. Probably their action much resembles 
that of iron salts, but so little is known on this point that it is 
doubtful if they should be considered of value. 

Therapeutics of Potassium Permanganate. 

External. — Although potassium permanganate is not of 
much practical use as a germicide, it is commonly employed as a 
deodorant (i to 150) for drains, bed-pans, to wash utensils, and 
to wash the hands ; for the last purpose it is suitable as being 
non-irritant. [The hands should be washed in a saturated solu- 
tion of the permanganate, which stains them a dark purple, and 
immediately decolorized with a saturated solution of oxalic acid.] 
It has one advantage, namely, that' it is easy by its change in 
color to see when it has lost its efficacy. Condy's red fluid consists 
of 8 gr. [.50 gm. of potassium] permanganate to the fluid ounce 
[30. c.c] of distilled water. It is expensive for purposes requir- 
ing a large quantity. It stains fabrics. The stain may be gotten 
out by applying sulphurous acid, but the fabric must be imme- 
diately rinsed in water, [else] sulphuric acid is formed. 

Internal. — The liquor of potassium permanganate [B. P., 
1 in 100 of distilled water], considerably diluted, can be used 
as a mouth wash or gargle in foul conditions of the mouth, or 
as an injection in cases of foul discharges, such as may occur 
with gonorrhoea, vaginitis, uterine disease or ozsena. Some con- 



198 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

sider that potassium permanganate is beneficial for the same cases 
of anaemia as iron, but it is not nearly so much used; others 
praise its power in amenorrhoea. It should be always given as a 
pill, for the taste of solution of it is very [disagreeable. For amen- 
orrhoea the black oxide is preferable. (See p. 195.) If manganese 
is of any use in anaemia, which has not yet been proven, it prob- 
ably acts in the same way as iron. The iron-manganese prepara- 
tions so much lauded, owe their efficiency, if they possess any, 
to the iron which they contain in varying amounts.] 



GROUP VI. 

[Aurum], Hydrargyrum. 
1. [AURUM. 

Au=i96.7. 

AURI ET SODII CHLORIDUM.— Gold and Sodium Chloride. 
A mixture composed of equal parts by weight of dry Gold Chloride (AuCl 3 = 
302.81) and Sodium Chloride (NaCl=58.37). 

Characters. — An orange-yellow powder, odorless, having a saline and 
metallic taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Solubility. — Very soluble in water, 
and at least one-half is soluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, -^ to T ^ gr. ; .002 to .006 gm. 

Action of Gold and Sodium Chloride. 
In small doses gold and sodium chloride is supposed to pro- 
mote appetite and digestion, to stimulate the functions of the 
brain and to be an aphrodisiac. Full doses cause nausea and 
vomiting, and finally impair nutrition. The toxic symptoms 
resemble those of poisoning by corrosive mercuric chloride. 

Therapeutics of Gold and Sodium Chloride. 
It is useful in irritative dyspepsia, gastro-duodenal catarrh, 
hypochondriasis, chronic ovarian irritation and ovaritis, in 
chronic albuminuria, hepatic sclerosis, and granular kidney, as it 
prevents hyperplasia of connective tissue. It is a valuable rem- 
edy in the tertiary manifestations of syphilis, especially of the 
bones, and presents fewer disadvantages than does the corrosive 
mercuric chloride. 






THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 199 

II. HYDRARGYRUM. 
Hg[=i9 9 .8. 

1. HYDRARGYRUM.— Mercury. {^Synonym.— Quicksilver. 
Source. — Cinnabar, the native Sulphide, is roasted or distilled with Lime; 

the volatile Mercury is condensed in suitable aludels. 

Characters. — A shining, silver-white metal, easily divisible into small 
globules. Sp. gr. i3-55 8 4.] 

Impurities. — Lead, tin, and other metals. 

Preparations. 

1. Hydrargyrum cum Creta. — [Mercury with Chalk. Syno- 
nym. — Gray powder. 

By trituration of Mercury, 38 ; Prepared Chalk, 57 ; Clarified 
honey, 10; with sufficient water to 100. By keeping, the Mercury is 
liable to become Mercuric Oxide, which makes the powder more active. 
Strength. — 38 per cent, of Mercury. 

Dose, yi to 10 gr. ; .03 to .60 gm. 

2. Emplastrum Hydrargyri. — [Mercurial Plaster. Mercury, 
300; Oleate of Mercury, 12; Lead Plaster to 1000. Strength. — 30 
per cent, of Mercury.] 

3. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. — [Ammoniac 
Plaster with Mercury. Mercury, 180; Oleate of Mercury, 8; an 
evaporated solution of Ammoniac. 720 ; in diluted Acetic Acid, 1000 ; 
and Lead Plaster a sufficient quantity to 1000. Strength. — 18 per 
cent, of Mercury.] 

4. Massa Hydrargyri. — [Mass of Mercury.] Synonyms. — Blue 
Mass. [Blue Pill. Pi lul a Hydrargyri. Mercury, 33 ; Honey of Rose, 
34 ; Glycyrrhiza, 5 ; Althaea, 25 ; Glycerin, 3. Strength. — ^ per cent, 
of Mercury. 

Dose, l / 2 to 15 gr. ; .03 to 1.00 gm.] 

5. Unguentum Hydrargyri. — [Mercurial Ointment. Synonym. 
> — Blue Ointment. Mercury, 500 ; Lard, 250 ; Suet, 230 ; Oleate of 

Mercury, 20. — Strength. — 50 per cent, of Mercury. 

2. HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM RUBRUM.— [Red Mercuric Oxide. 
HgO=2i5.76. Synonym. — Red Precipitate. 

Source. — Dissolve Mercury in diluted Nitric Acid. 3Hg4-8HN0 3 = 
3Hg(N0 3 ) 2 +2NO-f-4H 2 0. Evaporate to dryness. Triturate the Mercuric 
Nitrate thus formed, with Mercury, and heat. 2Hg(N0 3 ) 2 -(-Hg 2 =4Hg04- 
2NP,. 



200 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Heavy orange-red, crystalline scales, or a crystalline 
powder; having a somewhat metallic taste. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in 
water.] 

Impurities. — Red lead, brick dust, and mercuric nitrate. 

Dose, % to i gr. ; .015 to .06 gm. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri. — [Ointment of Red Mer- 
curic Oxide. Synonym. — Red Precipitate Ointment. Red Mercuric 
Oxide, 10 ; Castor Oil, 5 ; Ointment, 85.] 

3. HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM FLA VUM. — [Yellow Mercuric 
Oxide. HgO=2i5.76.] 

Source. — Precipitate a solution of Corrosive Mercuric Chloride, 1000 ; 
with Soda, 40. HgCl 2 +2NaOH=HgO+2NaCl+H 2 0. 

Characters. — [A light orange-yellow, amorphous heavy, impalpable 
powder, having a somewhat metallic taste.] Not given internally. It is con- 
tained in Lotio Hydrargyri Flava [B. P. — Corrosive Mercuric Chloride, I ; 
Lime Water, 243]. It has the same composition as the Red Oxide, but is 
more crystalline. 

Preparations. 

1. Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Flavi. — [Ointment of yellow 
Mercuric Oxide. Yellow Mercuric Oxide, 10; Ointment, 90. 

2. Oleatum Hydrargyri. — Oleate of Mercury. Yellow Mercuric 
Oxide, 200; Oleic Acid, 800.] 

Oleate of Mercury is contained in Unguentum Hydrargyri, Em- 
plastrum Hydrargyri and Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. 

4. HYDRARGYRI [CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM.— Corrosive 

Mercuric Chloride. HgCl 2 =27o # 54. Synonyms. — Corrosive Sublimate. Mer- 
curic Bichloride. Corrosive Chloride of Mercury. 

Source. — Heat a mixture of Mercuric Sulphate, Sodium Chloride, and 
Manganese Dioxide. HgS0 4 + 2NaCl -f Mn0 2 = HgCl 2 -f Na 2 S0 4 -f Mn0 2 . 
The [Corrosive] Chloride sublimes and is condensed. The object of the Man- 
ganese Dioxide is to prevent the formation of Mercurous Chloride by setting 
free Chlorine, which will convert it into Mercuric Chloride. 

Characters. — Heavy, colorless [rhombic crystals, or crystalline masses, 
having an acrid and persistent metallic taste.] Solubility. — In [16 parts o 
water; in 3 parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and their carbonates, potassium iodide, lime 
water, tartar emetic, silver nitrate, lead acetate, albumin, soaps, vegetable 
preparations containing tannic acid, and in fact most substances. 

Dose, ^ to T V gr. ; [.ooi to .006 gm.] 






THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 201 

5. HYDRARGYRI [CHLORIDUM MITE. — Mild Mercurous 
Chloride. Hg 2 Cl 2 =470. 34.] Synonyms. — Calomel. Mild Chloride of Mer- 
cury. Subchloride of Mercury. 

Source. — Rub Mercury with Mercuric Sulphate to form Mercurous Sul- 
phate, Hg 2 SO i# Add Sodium Chloride, and then heat, the Calomel sublimes, 
Hg 2 S0 4 +2NaCl=Hg 2 Cl 2 +Na 2 S0 4 , 

Characters. — [A white, impalpable powder without odor or taste.] 

Impurity. — Corrosive Mercuric Chloride. 

Dose, y 2 to 10 gr. ; [.03 to .60 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Pilulae Catharticae Compositae. — [Compound Cathartic Pills. 
Mild Mercurous Chloride, 60; Compound Extract of Colocynth, 80; 
Extract of Jalap, 30; Gamboge, 15 gm., to make 1000 pills.] 

Dose, 1 to 3 pills. 

2. Pilulae Antimonii Compositae. — [Compound Pills of Anti- 
mony. Synonym. — Plummer's Pills. Mild Mercurous Chloride, 4; 
Sulphurated Antimony, 4; Guaiac, 8 gm. ; Castor Oil, a sufficient 
quantity to make 100 pills. 

Dose, 1 to 3 pills. 

6. HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM.-[Red Mercuric Iodide. 
Hgl 2 =:452.86. Synonyms.— Mercury Biniodide. Red Iodide of Mercury. 

Source. — Mix hot solutions of Corrosive Mercuric Chloride and Potas- 
sium Iodide. Filter and dry the precipitated Red Iodide. HgG 2 -|-2KI= 
HgI 2 -r-2KCl. 

Characters. — A scarlet-red, amorphous powder. Solubility. — Almost 
insoluble in water, but freely soluble in a solution of Potassium Iodide.] 

Impurities. — The same as of the Corrosive Chloride. 

Dose, J 7 to T V gr.; [.001 to .006 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Liquor Arseni et Hydrargyri Iodidi.— [Solution of Arsenic and 
Mercuric Iodide. Synonym. — Donovan's Solution. Dissolve Arsenic 
Iodide, 10; and Red Mercuric Iodide, 10; in distilled water, 1000. 

Characters. — A clear, pale-yellowish liquid, having a disagree- 
able, metallic taste.] Strength. — I per cent, of each Iodide. 

Dose, 1 to 10 m. ; [.o5 to .60 c.c] 

7. [HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM FLAVUM. — Hg 2 I 2 = 652.66. 
Yellow Mercurous Iodide. Synonyms. — Mercury Protiodide. Yellow or 
Green Mercury Iodide. 

Source. — By pouring a solution of Potassium Iodide, 24; in distilled 
water, 1000 ; into a solution of Mercurous Nitrate, 40; in Nitric Acid, 10 ; 
and distilled water, 1000. The precipitate is washed and dried. The Mer- 



202 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

curous Nitrate is obtained from Mercury treated by a solution of Nitric Acid 
in distilled water, by nitration. Hg 2 (N0 3 ) 2 -f 2KI=Hg 2 I 2 +2KN0 3 . 

Characters. — A bright yellow amorphous powder, odorless and taste- 
less. Solubility, — Almost insoluble in water, and wholly insoluble in Alcohol 
and Ether. 

Dose, yi to i gr.; .01 to .06 gm.] 

8. LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS.— [Solution of Mercuric 
Nitrate. A liquid containing about 60 per cent, of Mercuric Nitrate. 
Hg(N0 3 ) 2 — 323.58, together with about II per cent, of free Nitric Acid. 

Source. — Dissolve Red Mercuric Oxide, 40; in Nitric Acid, 45 ; with 
distilled water, 15, and heat. 

Characters. — A clear, nearly heavy, colorless liquid, having a faint odor 
of Nitric Acid. Sp. gr. about 2.100.] 

Impurity. — Mercurous Nitrate. 

9. UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS.— [Ointment of 
Mercuric Nitrate.] Synonym. — Citrine Ointment. 

Source. — Mix a hot solution of Mercury, 70 ; in Nitric Acid, 1 75 ; with 
Lard Oil, 760. 

Characters. — A lemon-yellow ointment. 

10. HYDRARGYRUM AMMONIATUM.— Ammoniated Mercury. 
NH 2 HgCl[=25i.i8.] Synonyms. — White Precipitate. [Mercuric Ammonium 
Chloride. ] 

Source. — Mix solutions of Ammonia, 100; and Corrosive Mercuric 
Chloride, 100. HgCl 2 +2NH 4 OH^NH 2 HgCl+NH 4 Cl- r -2H 2 0. Filter and 
wash the precipitated Ammoniated Mercury. 

Characters. — [White, pulverulent pieces, or a white, amorphous pow- 
der, having an earthy, afterwards styptic and metallic taste. Solubility. — 
Almost insoluble in water or Alcohol.] 

Impurities. — The same as of the [Corrosive] Chloride. 

Preparation. 
Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati. — Ointment of Ammoni- 
ated Mercury. Synonym. — White Precipitate Ointment. [Ammoni- 
ated Mercury, 10 ; Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 

11. [HYDRARGYRI CYANIDUM.— Mercuric Cyanide. Hg(CN) 2 
=251.76. 

Source. — By boiling pure Potassium Ferrocyanide with Mercuric Sul- 
phate in water, and recrystallization from diluted Alcohol. 7HgS0 4 -}-2K 4 Fe 
(CN) 6 ==Hg+6Hg(CN) 2 +4K 2 S0 4 +Fe 2 (S0 4 ) 3 . 

Characters. — Colorless or white prismatic crystals, odorless, having a 
bitter, metallic taste. Soluble. — In 12.8 parts of water and 15 parts of Alcohol. 

Dpse, Jp to T V gr. ; .001 to .006 gm. 






THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 203 

12. HYDRARGYRI SUBSULPHAS FLAVUS.— Yellow Mer- 
curic Subsulphate. Hg(HgO) 2 S0 4 =727.4. Synonyms. — Turpeth Mineral 
Basic Mercuric Sulphate. 

Source. — By solution of Mercury, ioo; Sulphuric Acid, 30; Nitric Acid, 
25 ; water, a sufficient quantity ; decantation, drying of the residue. 

Characters. — A heavy, lemon-yellow powder, odorless and almost 
tasteless. Solubility. — In about 2000 parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 2 to 4 gr. ; .12 to .24 gm.] 

Action of Mercury and its Salts. 

External. — [Corrosive mercuric chloride] is one of the 
most powerful and important antiseptics with which we are 
acquainted. In 1870 it was discovered that 1 part in 6,000 
would kill infusoria and spermatozoa. Now it is known to be a 
universal germicide. The published results of experiments with 
it vary very much, because the duration of the action, the sol- 
vent, and the micro-organism experimented upon, are not always 
the same. Evans found that anthrax spores were destroyed by 
[corrosive mercuric chloride] solutions of 1 in 1000 acting for a 
quarter of an hour, and 1 in 3,000 acting for one hour. The 
bacilli themselves were destroyed by solutions of 1 in 15,000 
acting for one minute, and 1 in 25,000 acting for half an hour. 
A solution of 1 in 70,000 prevented the growth of the spores, 
and one of 1 in 500,000 prevented the growth of the bacilli. A 
reference to carbolic acid will show how much more powerful 
corrosive mercuric chloride is. A solution of 1 in 1,000 is very 
commonly employed for many disinfecting purposes. If albumin 
be present in the fluid to be disinfected, an albuminate of mer- 
cury is formed, and the antiseptic value of the fluid is destroyed. 
This change may be prevented by the addition of 5 parts of 
either hydrochloric, citric or tartaric acid to 1 of corrosive 
mercuric [chloride]. The [red mercuric iodide] is also a power- 
ful antiseptic. Metallic instruments cannot be disinfected with 
the [corrosive chloride] for mercury deposited on them. 

Most mercurials, especially the oleate, oxide, ammoniated, 
nitrate and [corrosive chloride], will destroy the animal and veg- 
etable parasites that infest the skin ; they are, therefore, anti- 
parasitic. Also, most of them will occasionally relieve itching, 
even when no cause is to be found. 



204 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

The mercurial preparations, especially the red mercuric iodide 
and the nitrate, are powerful irritants. The latter is strongly 
caustic. Mercurous salts are slightly irritant and stimulating ; 
calomel is sometimes applied to sores for this property. 

Metallic mercury and its salts are absorbed by the skin, 
especially when rubbed in either as an oleate or an ointment. 
These preparations are also taken up, although to a less degree, 
if simply applied to the skin, which likewise allows the metal or 
its salts to pass through when in the form of a fine vapor." All 
the symptoms of mercurial poisoning can be produced if the drug 
is absorbed through the skin. The vapor can be absorbed 
through the mucous membrane of the lungs. 

Internal.— Although the different salts of mercury have dif- 
ferent external actions, after absorption their actions are, in most 
respects, similar. The long-continued use of excessive doses of 
mercurials produces well-marked and important symptoms {see 
Toxicology). The actions for which mercurials are used in med- 
icine are the following: 

Stomach and intestines. — The metal mercury itself and mer- 
curous compounds, being mildly irritant in their action, are 
often used as purgatives ; but the mercuric compounds given 
in the same doses produce severe gastro-intestinal irritation. The 
action is chiefly on the duodenum and upper part of the jejunum; 
the precise mode of irritation is unknown, but it is certain that, 
in consequence of the administration of the mercurial, the con- 
tents of the duodenum are hurried along before there is time for 
the bile to be reabsorbed, and hence the motions are very dark- 
colored. There is probably some, but not an excessively increased 
secretion from the intestinal walls, for the motions, although 
large and loose, are not watery. As the action of the mercurial 
is chiefly on the upper part of the intestine, it is greatly assisted 
by giving a saline purge a few hours after it, for this will act more 
on the lower part of the bowel. The contents are passed along 
so quickly, that it is doubtful whether there is time for much 
mercury to be absorbed if a purgative dose of it has been given. 
Calomel and the metallic preparations are the two forms most 
used as purgatives. The former is the more powerful. 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 205 

Whatever compound of mercury is taken by the mouth, it, in 
the stomach, becomes a complex albuminate containing mercury, 
sodium, chlorine, and albumin. This compound, in the presence 
of the sodium chloride in the stomach, can exist in solution 
there. Precisely what happens to it in the duodenum is doubt- 
ful ; but it is quite certain that if the dose is insufficient to cause 
purgation some mercury is absorbed, the rest passing out of the 
bowel as a sulphide. 

Liver. — It was formerly taught that calomel increased the 
amount of bile formed by the liver. This is now known to be 
an error, but [corrosive mercuric chloride] increases it, and pos- 
sibly, occasionally when calomel is administered, some of it is 
converted into the [corrosive] chloride. Large doses of calomel 
are said to slightly diminish the secretion of bile. Calomel and, 
to a less extent, preparations of metallic mercury are, however, 
called indirect cholagogues, because they, in the manner 
already explained, aid the excretion of bile. 

Blood. — After absorption the mercurial compound formed in 
the stomach and intestines probably becomes oxidized, and cir- 
culates as an oxyalbuminate. Minute, long-continued doses of 
mercury slightly increase the richness of the blood in red cor- 
puscles, and in animals may add a little to the weight of the 
body. Large doses produce anaemia. 

Remote effects. — Mercury is excreted by the saliva, bile, urine, 
sweat, and milk. In small doses no effects can be attributed to 
this, but in large doses mercury irritates the salivary glands and 
is a powerful sialogogue. By itself it is a feeble diuretic, but 
it sometimes powerfully aids other diuretics. It is eliminated 
very slowly, and hence accumulates in the body. 

THERAPEUTICS OF MERCURY AND ITS SALTS. 

External. — Antiseptic action. — Solutions of the corrosive 
chloride are very largely employed. A strength of i in 1,000 is 
used for washing the hands, for washing the parts to be operated 
upon, for soaking towels, lint, sponges, etc., used in operations, 
for washing infected articles, infected rooms, furniture, linen, 
etc. For wounds and cavities (as the uterus), the strength for a 



206 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA, 

single washing should not exceed i in 2,000, [and weaker solu- 
tions are preferable]; for continual irrigation 1 in 10,000. [The 
mixed mercury and zinc cyanide as suggested by Lister is 
unirritating. It is said to have but slight germicidal value, but its 
inhibitory power is so great that a solution of . 1 to 1,200 will 
permanently prevent putrefaction in animal fluids. Cyanide 
gauze may be made actively germicidal by impregnation with a 
solution of 1 to 4,000 of corrosive mercuric chloride.] 

Antiparasitic action. — White precipitate ointment, diluted 
[mercuric] nitrate ointment, and a wash oi [corrosive] chloride 
are very useful for destroying lice on the head ; and these three, 
especially the last, are excellent for destroying the fungus in 
ringworm and favus. The oleate of mercury is useful for destroy- 
ing that in pityriasis versicolor ; if the skin is easily irritated it 
should be sufficiently diluted. Mercurials should not be applied 
over so large an area that there is a risk of poisoning from 
absorption. 

Irritant action. — The solution of the nitrate is used to de- 
stroy warts, condylomata, etc. ; no doubt much of its caustic 
action is due to the free nitric acid it contains. Milder prepara- 
tions, such as the ointment of [mercuric] nitrate, or of red 
[mercuric] oxide, if diluted, may be used for tinea tarsi ; and 
the same ointments are very beneficial to any ulcer or sore that 
requires a stimulant, whether or not it be syphilitic. [In 
ophthalmic practice the ointment of yellow mercuric oxide, 
Known as Pagenstecher's ointment or ophthalmic salve, is largely 
employed]. When a milder preparation is required, Calomel is 
often dusted on the part; and black wash [Lotio Hydrargyri 
Nigra, B. P. — Calomel, 1 ; lime water, 146] ; is very commonly 
used, especially for syphilitic sores and condylomata. [This 
reaction may be used to determine whether the corrosive mer- 
curic chloride with which gauze has been impregnated has 
partially changed into the mild chloride. If a black color ap- 
pears upon application of lime water, calomel is present.] 

Itching. — Black wash, yellow wash [Lotio Hydrargyri Flava] 
(see p. 200), or Unguentum Hydrargyri may be employed to 
relieve the itching of skin diseases, such as pruritus senilis and 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 207 

urticaria, if they are not too extensive. A very favorite oint- 
ment for many skin diseases is composed of equal parts of diluted 
mercuric nitrate, zinc oxide and lead [acetate] ointments (see 
p. 171). 

Absorbent action. — All mercurial ointments and the oleate, 
when applied to or gently rubbed into any part which is chroni- 
cally inflamed, often aid the absorption of the products of inflam- 
mation, if they are not too deep-seated. For this purpose blue 
ointment, or the oleate, are very commonly used for chronic 
inflammation of joints, chronically enlarged glands, and chronic 
peritonitis, which certainly sometimes appears to be cured by the 
application of a binder spread with one of these preparations or 
the Linimentum Hydrargyri [B. P., which consists of i part 
each of mercurial ointment, solution of ammonia and camphor 
liniment] even when the disease is tuberculous. The ointment 
of the red [mercuric] iodide is, in India, applied to the thyroid 
gland in goitre. 

Internal. — Alimeittary canal. — Very dilute solutions (4 gr. 
[.24 gm.] to 10 fl. oz. [300. c.c.] water with 8 minims [.50 c.c] 
of diluted hydrochloric acid may be used as a mouth wash for 
syphilitic ulceration. Ringer advises gray powder [Hydrargyrum 
cum Creta] in minute doses for the sudden vomiting immediately 
after food sometimes met with in children. By far the most 
important intestinal action of mercury is its purgative effect. 
Calomel and blue pill are pre-eminently the purgatives to employ 
when there is, from the headache, constipation, furred tongue, 
feeling of weight over the liver, and general lassitude, reason to 
suspect that the dyspepsia is hepatic. Either of these drugs at 
night, followed by a watery purge, in the morning, will often 
completely relieve the symptoms. The blue pill at night, and 
black draught (Infusum Sennas Compositum) in the morning 
have long been a favorite combination. Mercury or calomel is 
also one of the best purgatives for cases of cirrhosis, and for car- 
diac cases in which there is considerable hepatic congestion. 
Gray powder mixed with a little sugar is an excellent purgative 
for children, or even for adults, when a very mild purge is 
required — as, for example, after severe enteritis or peritonitis. 



208 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[Calomel in small doses ( T V gr. ; .006 gm.), triturated thor- 
oughly with sugar of milk and repeated every hour until a move- 
ment is secured, is a favorite gentle purgative] or if it is de- 
sirable to open the bowels during typhoid fever. Children 
take mercury very well. Infants can easily bear grain [.06 gm.] 
doses of the gray powder. As diarrhoea, especially in children, 
is so often due to the presence of some irritant, a simple pur- 
gative, as gray powder, will, by removing it, often cure the 
diarrhoea. This preparation hardly ever causes griping, but 
calomel is liable to do so. 

Remote uses. — In cases of heart disease mercury is often com- 
bined with digitalis and squill as a diuretic (as in the well-known 
Guy's diuretic pill : blue pill, powdered squill, powdered digi- 
talis, of each 1 gr. [.06 gm ]; extract of hyoscyamus, 1*^ gr. 
[.10 gm.]), and in some cases this combination does great good. 

Syphilis. — Mercury in any form is powerfully antisyphilitic. 
This action is so important that it makes mercury one of the most 
valuable drugs we have. It has already been mentioned that it 
may be applied locally to syphilitic ulcerations, but to be of any 
use it is essential that it should also be administered so as to reach 
the blood. It is a direct antidote to the syphilitic virus ; it can 
completely cure the patient ; its use must be continued over a 
long time, but it should never be pushed to salivation. Treat- 
ment should be begun at as early a stage as possible, as soon as 
the diagnosis is established. It is especially valuable in the pri- 
mary and secondary stages ; authorities differ as to its value in 
tertiary syphilis. It is as efficacious for the congenital as for the 
acquired disease. It is also administered for many non-syphilitic 
varieties of chronic inflammation, but not so often as formerly. 
Patients with disease of the kidneys do not bear it well. The 
[yellow] iodide is very commonly prescribed for syphilis, and 
often succeeds when other preparations have failed. Its great dis- 
advantage is in its instability. 

13. SAL ALEMBROTH.- [Not official.] Ammonio-Mercuric Chlor- 
ide. A double Mercury and Ammonium Chloride. 

Source. — Mix 271 parts of [Corrosive Mercuric Chloride] with 107 of 
Ammonium Chloride, both in solution, and evaporate. 



THE SALTS OF MERCURY. 209 

Characters. — Flattened rhombic prisms, freely soluble in water or gly- 
cerin. It contains one molecule of [Corrosive Mercuric Chloride] combined 
with two of Ammonium Chloride. Three grains [.20 gm.] of Sal Alembroth 
contain two grains [.12 gm. of Corrosive Mercuric Chloride]. It is a very 
powerful antiseptic, but does not combine with albumin so readily as [Corrosive 
Mercuric Chloride], and is therefore less irritating. 

[Uses of Sal Alembroth.] 

Sal alembroth gauze (containing i per cent.) and sal alem- 
broth wool (2 per cent.), both tinted with aniline blue, which is 
bleached by the discharge, so that it is easy to see if it has soaked 
through, are much used to dress wounds antiseptically. 

Sal alembroth injections (yi gr. ; [.02 gm.] in 10 minims, 
[.60 c.c.] ; of water) are a convenient non-irritating form in which 
to use mercury subcutaneously in syphilis. The precautions 
mentioned below should be observed. 

Modes of administration of mercurials. — (1) By the mouth. — The 
Liquor Hydrargyri Perchloridi [B. P. which is corrosive mercuric chloride, I ; 
ammonium chloride, 1 ; water, 1000] is often given to adults, usually in 
doses of I to 2 fl. dr. [4. to 8. c. c] For the later symptoms of syphilis, po- 
tassium iodide is often combined with it. Mercuric iodide is formed and is 
kept in solution by the excess of potassium iodide. Mercurous iodide, 
known as the [yellow] iodide, is much used by some. It is insoluble in water, 
and is incompatible with potassium iodide, red [mercuric] iodide and metallic 
mercury being formed. The best preparation for children is % to I gr. [.03 
to .06 gm.] of gray powder, given just often enough to avoid purgation. 

(2) By the rectum. — Occasionally mercury is given as a suppository, 
[which is official in the B. P. Each contains 5 gr. ; .30 gm. of mercurial 
ointment.] 

(3) Endermically. — Mercurials, especially calomel, are often dusted on 
sores and ulcers, and lotions are also locally applied. Mercury can be ab- 
sorbed in this way. 

(4) By inunction. — Blue ointment may be rubbed into the skin. The 
best position is the inner side of the thigh. Usually a piece the size of the 
top of the thumb, rubbed in once a day, is enough. It has been put inside 
the sock, for then it is rubbed into the foot during walking. A very efficient 
way of applying the ointment in children is to smear it on a flannel binder which 
is worn round the abdomen. [The oleate may be employed for inunction; this 
possesses the advantage of not staining the clothing]. Mercury is rapidly 
absorbed by these means. 

(5) Hypodermatically. — One-eighth of a grain [.008 gm.] or less of 

14 



210 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the [Corrosive] Chloride dissolved in about 5 to S minims [.30 to .50 c. c] of 
distilled water is used for a dose. The needle of a hypodermatic syringe is 
plunged deeply into some muscles, preferable those of the gluteal region, and 
to the outer side of it, so that the patient does not sit or lie on the spot. One- 
sixth of a grain [.01 gm.] of morphine in solution [may be, if necessary] in- 
jected. Tne needle is left in situ, the syringe is taken off and filled to the 
required dose with the [corrosive] chloride solution, which is injected through 
the needle. If much pain is caused, a piece of ice may be held over the part 
before the injection and after the needle is withdrawn. The injection should 
be repeated daily; before going to bed is a good time. With proper care no 
abscesses result. [ The tannate (not official) in dose of % to 1 gr. ; .03 to .06 
gm., injected once daily in liquid paraffin, oil of vaseline or albolene is well 
borne.] This is a very rapid and thorough way of bringing the patient under 
the influence of .mercury. 

(6) Fumigation. — Calomel, [the black oxide, or the red mercur'c sul- 
phide known as Cinnabar (neither of the last two are official), may be] used. 
The patient, who is naked, sits on a cane-bottomed chair ; a blanket, which 
reaches to the floor, is fastened lightly round his neck. Twenty grains [1.20 
gm. of the salt] are placed in a porcelain dish, over a spirit lamp, under the 
chair. [The mercury] volatilizes, and is absorbed by the skin. A bath should 
last twenty minutes ; with obvious modifications this method may be applied to 
patients in bed. 

(7) Inhalation. — This is rarely or never used. 

(8) Baths of three drachms [12. gm.] of [corro^ve] chloride to thirty 
gallons [114 Liters] of water, with one fluid drachm [4. c. c.] of hydrochloric 
acid added, have been used, but they are now very rarely employed. 

Toxicology. 

Acute poisoning is [not] rare. Salts of mercury, especially the mer- 
curic, produce severe gastro-intestinal irritation, causing great pain, vomit- 
ing and diarrhoea. The corrosive [chloride] and white precipitate are the 
preparations usally taken. [In case of acute poisoning albumin, the white of 
an egg (one being sufficient for 4. gr. ; .24 gm. of the corrosive chloride, the 
albuminate re- dissolving in an excess), milk and flour are useful. Vomiting 
should be induced by mustard and lukewarm water, apomorphine or by irrita- 
tion of the fauces.] 

Chronic Poisoning by mercury or its salts produces a train of remark- 
able symptoms. They were very common when it was the practice to give 
larger doses of mercurials than are now employed, and they are occasionally 
seen in those who work in mercury. In the present day, when the patient 
shows any sign of mercurialism, the dose is reduced. The symptoms (which 
constitute hydrargyrism or mercurialism) may be brought about however 
the mercury is taken. The first indications noticed are slight fcetor of the 



THE SALTS OF ARSENIC. 211 

breath and soreness of the gums when the teeth are brought forcibly together, 
by closure of the jaws. Then follows a disagreeable metallic taste in the 
mouth, the gums become swollen and soft, and they bleed readily. Next 
there is a considerable increase in the amount of saliva secreted. All these 
symptoms gradually become more marked, and the tongue swells. The teeth 
are now loose,' the saliva, which is thick and viscid, pours from the mouth, the 
parotid and salivary glands are enlarged and tender, and there is a slight rise 
of temperature. In olden days the symptoms occasionally ended in the falling 
out of the teeth, extensive ulceration of the mouth and tongue, necrosis of the 
jaw, great weakness, emaci-Uion, anaemia, a watery state of the blood, a lia- 
bility to haemorrhages, exhaustion and death. 

More rarely the symptoms are, for the most part, nervous. These occur, 
chiefly, if not entirely, among those who work in the metal and inhale the 
vapor. The first to be observed is tremor, beginning in the face, then invading 
the arm, and afterwards the legs. Early in the case the trembling is seen only 
on movement ; soon it is permanent. It resembles paralysis agitans. Usually 
there is considerable weakness of the affected muscles (" mercurial palsy"). 
There may be pains, and a weak mental condition is common. Nothing has 
been found, post-mortem, to account for these symptoms. 



GROUP VII. 

Arsenic, Antimony, Chromium. 

The compounds of these metals have several physiological and some 
chemical points in common. The oxide of each is. externally a powerful 
caustic. Internally Arsenic, Antimony, and (as far as we know) Chromium 
compounds are severe gastro-intestinal irritants. Arsenic and Antimony in 
large doses both cause general fatty degeneration. 

I. ARSENUM. 

As=[74.o.] 

i. ACIDUM ARSENOSUM.— [Arsenous Acid. As 2 3 =i 9 7.68. 
Synonyms. — Arsenic Trioxide. White Arsenic.] 

Source. — Arsenical ores are roasted and purified by sublimation. 

Characters. — A [heavy, solid, occurring either as an opaque, white 
powder, or in irregular masses of two varieties — the one amorphous, trans- 
parent and colorless, the other crystalline, opaque or white. Solubility. — In 
30 to 80 parts of cold, in 15 parts of boiling water.] 

Incompatibles. — Lime water, iron salts, and magnesia. 

Impurities. — Lime salts. 

Dose, J ff to T V gr. ; [.ooi to .006 gm.] 



212 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparations. 

i. Liquor [Potassii Arsenitis. — Solution of Potassium Arsenite. 
Synonym. — Fowler's solution. Arsenous Acid, io; Potassium Bicar- 
bonate, 20 ; Compound Tincture of Lavender, 30. Boil in sufficient 
distilled water to make 1000.] Probably no decomposition occurs. 
Strength. — I per cent, of Arsenous Acid. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m.; [.12 to .60 c.c] 

2. Liquor [Acidi Arsenosi. — Solution of Arsenous Acid. Arse- 
nous Acid, 10 ; is boiled with diluted Hydrochloric Acid, 50 ; and dis- 
tilled water to make 1000.] No decomposition occurs. Strength. — 
I per cent, of Arsenous Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 10 m.; [.30 to .60 c.c] 

2. SODII ARSENAS.— Sodium Arsenate. Na 2 HAs0 4 +7H 2 0[= 
311.46.] 

Source. — Heat to redness Arsenous Acid, Sodium Nitrate, and Sodium 
Carbonate ; dissolve the fused mass in water and crystallize. Sodium Pyro- 
arsenate is formed. As 2 3 4-2NaN0 3 +Na 2 C03^Na 4 As 2 7 4-N„0,-f C0 2 . On 
adding water to the Pyroarsenate, a solution of Sodium Arsenate, which crys- 
tallizes on standing, is formed. Na 4 As 2 7 -|-H 2 0=2Na 2 HAs0 4 , which crys- 
tallizes with 7H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, [monoclinic prisms, having a mild 
alkaline taste. Solubility. — In 4 parts of water.] 

Dose, 3^ to J ¥ gr. ; [.002 to .006 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Liquor Sodii Arsenatis. — [Solution of Sodium Arsenate. Syn- 
onym. — Pearson's solution. (Pearson's solution is really one-fifth as 
strong as the official Liquor Sodii Arsenatis). 

Source. — Dissolve Sodium Arsenate, 1 ; deprived of its water of 
crystallization by heat, in distilled water, 100.] Strength. — I per cent, 
of Sodium Arsenate. 

Dose, 1 to 10 m. ; [.06 to .60 c.c] 

3. ARSENI IODIDUM.— [Arsenic Iodide. AsI 3 =454.4Q. 
Source. — Made by the direct union of Iodine and Metallic Arsenic, or 

by mixing solutions of Arsenous and Hydriodic Acids and evaporating. 

Characters. — [Glossy orange-red, crystalline masses, or shining orange- 
red, crystalline scales, having an Iodine-like odor or taste. Solubility. — In 7 
parts of water, and in 30 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 3L to T L gr. ; [.002 to .006 gm.] 

Preparation. 
Liquor Arseni et Hydrargyri Iodidi. See Mercury, p. 201. 

4. FERRI ARSENAS. See Iron, p. 185. 



the salts of arsenic. 213 

Action of Arsenical Compounds. 

External. — Arsenous acid has no action on the skin, but 
applied to raw surfaces it is a powerful caustic. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Unless the dose be very small 
all preparations containing arsenic are very severe gastrointes- 
tinal irritants (see Toxicology). In minute doses they are 
gastric stimulants, causing dilatation of the gastric vessels and an 
increased flow of gastric juice. Small doses also stimulate the 
duodenum. 

Blood. — Arsenic is absorbed into the blood. Nothing is 
known of its physiological action there ; but it can, in some forms 
of anaemia, increase the haemoglobin and the number of red cor- 
puscles. 

Circulation. — In the frog the rapidity and force of the heart 
are lessened till it finally stops. This is a local action, for it 
takes place when applied to the excised heart. 

Remote effects. — In many diseases arsenic evidently profoundly 
affects metabolism, for the patient recovers under treatment by 
this drug. It is doubtful whether, if given in small doses to 
healthy persons, it usually does more than sharpen the appetite. 
It has been stated by Dogiel to unite with albumin ; another 
view, that of Binz and Schulz, is that arsenous acid becomes 
arsenic acid by taking oxygen from the protoplasm, but that the 
arsenic acid subsequently yields up the oxygen again. Some of 
the people in Styria eat white arsenic in small quantities, and it 
is said to increase their strength and clear their complexion. 
Wood concludes that small doses of arsenic check tissue change 
and decrease nitrogenous elimination, while toxic doses have 
the opposite effect. But there is no proof of any of these state- 
ments, and we have no certain knowledge of the influence of 
arsenic on nutrition, nor do we know of any action to which its 
beneficial effects in many diseases can be referred ; but as the drug 
certainly in some way alters the condition of the sufferer it is 
vaguely called an alterative. It is eliminated by the urine, the 
alimentary canal, the skin, the saliva, the milk, and even the 
tears. It may be found many years after death in the bodies of 
those who have taken it during life. 



214 inorganic materia medica. 

Therapeutics of Arsenical Compounds. 

External. — Formerly arsenic was used as a caustic to destroy 
growths, lupus, warts, etc., either as pure arsenous acid or as a 
paste. [Marsden's paste consists of arsenous acid, i ; powdered 
acacia, 2 parts.] Arsenous acid, 1 ; charcoal, 1 ; red [mercuric] 
sulphide, 4 parts ; and water, sufficient to make a paste, is a formula 
once very popular. It must be used strong enough to make the 
mass of dead tissue slough out quickly, or else the patient becomes 
poisoned, for the arsenic is rapidly absorbed. Arsenous acid, 1 ; 
calomel, 8 ; antimony [sulphide, 8 parts;] make a caustic powder. 
Liquor potassii arsenitis has been recommended by Ringer as an 
application for corns. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Arsenous acid is useful to 
destroy the tooth pulps before filling teeth. 

In some forms of dyspepsia small doses of Liquor Potassii 
Arsenitis are occasionally given to stimulate the appetite. Arsenic 
is so liable to cause sickness, diarrhoea, and other symptoms of 
poisoning, that it is a rule always to begin a course of it with small 
doses, say 3 or 4 minims [.20 to .25 c. c] of Liquor Potassii 
Arsenitis, or -fa to io gr. [.001 to .0015 gra.] of arsenous acid as 
a pill, and to gradually increase the quantity. Arsenic in any 
form should always be taken immediately after meals, so as to 
dilute it by the contents of a full stomach. Children bear it 
well; old people do not. Very small doses sometimes check 
vomiting, especially that form in which the food simply regurgi- 
tates, and in exceptional cases it may succeed in checking diar- 
rhoea when other drugs have failed. 

Remote effects. — Arsenic is of great value in chronic super- 
ficial skin diseases not owing their cause to an irritant. It is, 
therefore, largely used for psoriasis, pemphigus, and sometimes 
for chronic eczema. It is of no use in the acute stages of these 
maladies, nor if cutaneous inflammation is deep-seated. 

Cases of anaemia which cannot be cured by iron, and which 
fall under the heading of primary anaemia, may be occasionally 
much improved by arsenic. Such are pernicious anaemia, splenic 
leucocythaemia, and Hodgkin's disease; but often no drug is of 
any avail. In other forms of anaemia, such as chlorosis, arsenic 



THE SALTS OF ARSENIC. 215 

may be given, often with benefit, when iron compounds disagree. 
Arsenic is, next to quinine, the best antiperiodic we have ; but it 
is not nearly so efficacious. It may, however, in the absence of 
quinine, be used for ague, and is especially valuable for the 
anaemia which follows ague, and for neuralgia due to the same 
cause. It often does distinct good in rheumatoid arthritis if 
given for a long while. It is frequently prescribed for chorea, 
particularly in rapid increasing doses ; but it is difficult to prove 
that the cases get well more quickly than they would without any 
drug. Arsenic has been strongly recommended in asthma and 
in hay fever. For asthma it may be given by the mouth, or 
smoked as cigarettes, made by saturating bibulous paper in a 
solution of fifteen grains [i. gm.] of [potassium] arsenite to an 
ounce [30. c. c] of water. It has been given in phthisis, but 
without benefit. [There appears to be good evidence that arsenic 
in large doses restrains the growth of sarcomata, particularly of 
the fusiform-cell variety.] 

Toxicology. 

Acute Poisoning. — [Arsenous acid] is frequently used as a poison. 
[The forms most employed are Scheele's and Paris Green (cupric arsenite), 
and Schweinfurth's Green (a compound of cupric arsenite and arsenate)]. 
Symptoms. — Soon after taking it the sufferer experiences faintness, nausea, 
sickness, epigastric pain and tenderness. These symptoms quickly increase. 
The vomit is brown, and often streaked with blood ; the pain is very severe ; 
there is profuse diarrhoea, with much tenesmus ; and there are cramps in the 
calves of the legs. The vomiting becomes violent and incessant ; there is a 
burning sensation in the throat, with intense thirst. Soon severe symptoms set 
in ; the skin is cold, the pulse small and feeble, and the patient dies [in col- 
lapse]. The symptoms frequently bear a close resemblance to those of cholera. 
Post-mortem. — The stomach is intensely inflamed, even if the arsenic has not 
been taken by the mouth, but has been applied in large quantities to cancerous 
growths. This shows that arsenic is excreted from the blood into the stomach. 
The small intestines are also acutely inflamed. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach. Give emetics {see p. 132), choosing 
the least irritating and least depressing. The stomach must be completely 
emptied. Give unlimited quantities of freshly prepared humid [ferric hydrate] 
{see p. 183) or dialyzed iron. If neither of these is handy, give magnesia in 
large amounts, or large doses of castor oil and water. Give brandy or ether 
subcutaneously ; apply hot blankets and bottles to the feet and the abdomen. 

Chronic Poisoning. — Often, when arsenic is taken as a medicine, slight 



216 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

symptoms of poisoning are seen. They are loss of appetite, nausea, perhaps 
vomiting, slight abdominal pain, and mild diarrhoea. The eyelids become a 
little puffy, the conjunctivse injected, the eyes and nose water, and there is 
slight headache. These symptoms, of course, show that the dose given is too 
large, and that it must be decreased. 

Arsenic is so often used in the manufacture of all sorts of articles, espe- 
cially wall papers and fabrics, that chronic poisoning by it is frequently seen. 
[The evidence in regard to chronic poisoning from occupancy of rooms deco- 
rated with arsenical wall paper is somewhat contradictory, but the facts point 
towards its probability. Quite as often the poisoning is due to the arsenic 
which is a contamination of aniline dyes as it is the arsenical pigments, so that 
the color should not be depended upon, but rather a chemical examination.] It 
is also met with in workers of arsenic, and in persons to whom it has been 
given with intent to murder. The symptoms produced are those already men- 
tioned as present when large doses of arsenic are taken medicinally. 

Long-continued use of arsenic may induce peripheral neuritis ; the chief 
symptoms of arsenical neuritis are herpes zoster, paralysis of the muscles of the 
limbs, especially ihe extensors of the hands and feet, ataxic gait, severe darting 
pains in the limbs, and rapid muscular atrophy. Several cases are recorded in 
which arsenic has caused general brown pigmentation of the skin. It may 
also give rise to brown pigmentation of patches of psoriasis. After death from 
chronic poisoning, in addition to the gastro-intestinal and nervous lesions, there 
is wide- spread fatty degeneration of most of the organs of the body. It is well 
seen in the liver, kidneys, stomach and muscles, including the heart. 

Repeated doses given to animals abolish the glycogenic function of the 
liver, so that puncture of the floor of the fourth ventricle no longer causes gly- 
cosuria. In frogs poisoned with arsenic the epidermis peels off very easily. 
This is due to degeneration of its lower cells, the degeneration proceeding 
from the lowest layer outwards. 

[The tests for arsenic are so simple that every physician should be able 
to make use of them. They are : (i) Reinsch's. — Hydrochloric acid and a 
clean slip of copper are boiled in the suspected liquid. Bluish spots indicate 
the poison. (2) Marsh's. — Diluted sulphuric acid and zinc are introduced 
into a flask with the suspected liquid. The gas issuing from the tube is 
ignited and the flame allowed to impinge upon a clean porcelain plate forming 
a steel-white mirror .if arsenic be present; or the delivery tube may be heated 
when the mirror will be deposited upon it. This mirror is distinguished from 
that produced by antimony by its solubility in potassium hypochlorite if arsenic 
is the cause.] 

II. ANTIMONIUM. 

Sb. [=119.6.] 
PHIDUM.- 

335.14. Synonym. — : Antimony Trisulphide. 



THE SALTS OF ANTIMONY. 217 

Source. — Native Antimony Sulphide purified by fusion, as free from 
Arsenic as is possible. 

Characters. — Steel-gray masses of a metallic lustre and a striated crys- 
talline fracture, forming a black or grayish-black, lustreless powder without 
odor or taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water or Alcohol. 

Preparations. 

i. Antimonii Sulphidum Purificatum. — Purified Antimony 
Sulphide. Sb 2 S 3 =335.i4. Synonym. — Purified Black Antimony, 

Source. — Antimony Sulphide, ioo ; purified by Ammonia Wator, 
50; decanted and dried. 

Characters. — A heavy, grayish-black, lustreless powder, without 
odor or taste. 

Impurity. — Silica.] 

2. Antimonium Sulphuratum. — Sulphurated Antimony. Chiefly 
Antimony Sulphide (Sb 2 S 3 ) and with a small amount of Antimony 
Oxide (Sb 2 3 ). \_Synonym. — Kermes mineral. 

Source. — Boiled Purified Antimony Sulphide, 100 ; and Solution 
of Soda, 1200.] Sb 2 S 3 +4NaOH=NaSbO,,-fNa 3 SbS 3 . Precipitate 
with Sulphuric Acid, wash, and dry. NaSb0 2 +Na 3 SbS 3 -(-2H 2 S0 4 
r=Sb 2 S 3 -f2Na 2 S0 4 +2H 2 0. 

Characters. — [An amorphous reddish-white powder, becoming 
lighter in color on exposure to light. Solubility. — Insoluble in water 
or Alcohol.] 

Sulphurated Antimony is contained in Pilulse Antimonii Com- 
posite. See Mercury, p. 201. 

Dose, \ to 1 gr. ; [.01 to .06 gm.] 

2. ANTIMONII OXIDUM.— [Antimony Oxide. Sb 2 3 =287.o7. 
Synonym. — Antimony Trioxide.] 

Source. — Pour a solution of Antimony Chloride into water. Antimony 
Oxychloride is precipitated. SbCl 3 4-H 2 0=SbOCl+2HCl. The precipi- 
tate is treated with Sodium Carbonate, washed, and dried. 2SbOCl-(- 
Na 2 C0 3 =Sb 2 3 4- 2NaCl+ C0 2 . 

Characters. — [A heavy grayish-white powder, without odor or taste.] 

Impurities. — High oxides. 

Dose, 1 to 4 gr. ; [.06 to 24 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Pulvis Antimonialis. — [Antimonial Powder. Synonym. — James' 
Powder. Antimony Oxide, 33 ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 67. 
Dose, 3 to 15 gr. ; .20 to 1.00 gm] 



218 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

3 [ANTIMONII ET POTASSII TARTRAS.— Antimony and 

Potassium Tartrate. 2K(SbO)C 4 H 4 6 -f-H 2 0=r662.42. Synonyms. —Tartar 
Emetic. Tartrated Antimony.] 

Source. — Make a paste of Antimony Trioxide (Sb 2 3 ) with Acid Potas- 
sium Tartrate and water. Let it stand wenty-four hours, boil in water, and 
crystallize. 2KHC 4 H 4 O e -f- Sb 2 3 =2 K ( SbO ) C 4 H 4 6 -f- H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent [crystals of the rhombic system, 
becoming opaque and white on exposure to air; or a white granular powder, 
having a sweet, afterwards disagreeable metallic taste. Solubility. — In 17 
parts of water ; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Gallic and tannic acids, most astringent infusions, alka- 
lies., and lead salts. 

Impurity. — Acid Potassium Tartrate. 

Dose, jL to t/i gr. [.006 to .03 gm.] (diaphoretic), ^ to 1 gr. [.03 to 
.06 gm.] (cardiac depressant), 1 to 2 gr. [.06 to .12 gm.] (emetic). 

Preparations. 

1. Vinum Antimonii. — [Wine of Antimony. Antimony and 
Potassium Tartrate, 4; boiling distilled water, 65; Alcohol, 150; "White 
Wine to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c. 

2. Syrupus Scillae Compositus. — Compound Syrup of Squill. 
Synonym. — Hive Syrup, so-called from hives, the old name of croup. 
Fluid extract of Squill, 80 ; Fluid extract of Senega, 80 ; Antimony and 
Potassium Tartrate, 2 ; Sugar, 750 ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 
10 ; water to ioco. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m.; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action of Salts of Antimony. 

External. — Antimonial compounds are powerful external 
irritants. The Liquor Antimonii Chloridi [of the B. P., which 
is a solution of antimony chloride in hydrochloric acid] is a 
severe caustic. Tartar emetic produces a pustular eruption 
at the point of application. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — All compounds of antimony 
are powerful irritants, internally as well as externally; the 
action of tartar emetic is best known. The first result of 
swallowing this is vomiting. The early acts of vomiting are 
due to the direct action of the drug on the wall of the stomach, 
but it is quickly absorbed, and by its action on the medulla it 
also produces sickness ; thus the vomiting is continued for some 



THE SALTS OF ANTIMONY. 219 

time. It will produce vomiting when injected into the blood, 
chiefly by its action on the medulla — for it will act if the stom- 
ach is replaced by a bladder — but also because some of it is ex- 
creted into the stomach. In large doses tartar emetic is irritant 
to the intestine. [A round mass of metallic antimony was form- 
erly known as the "family pill," because it could be repeatedly 
used as a laxative.] 

Heart. — Antimony acts upon man as upon the lower animals. 
It is a powerful cardiac depressant, diminishing both the 
frequency and the force of the beat of the heart. Experiments 
on animals have shown that the final stoppage takes place in 
diastole, and that the chief action of antimony is that of a direct 
depressant to the cardiac muscle itself. Of course, the cardiac 
depression causes the arterial pressure to fall ; but part of this 
effect is due to a coincident action upon some portion of the 
vaso-motor system ; the probability being that antimony, by 
paralyzing the muscular coat of the arteries, relaxes them. 

Respiration. — Respiration is depressed, the movements be- 
come weaker, and inspiration is shortened, but expiration is 
prolonged. Finally, the pauses become very long and the move- 
ments very irregular. The cause of this is not known; probably 
it is very complex. 

Nervous and muscular systems. — Here also antimony acts as a 
powerful depressant, especially to the spinal cord, and to a 
less extent to the brain ; hence moderate doses cause a feeling of 
languor, inaptitude for mental exertion, and sleepiness. Experi- 
ments on animals show that after the administration of large 
doses of antimony reflex movement is soon lost, and that this is 
due to a depressing effect on the sensory part of the spinal cord. 
This depressant influence is felt also in the muscles, and hence 
antimony will relieve spasm, but whether it does so by direct 
action on the muscles or by acting on the nervous system is 
doubtful. 

Temperature. — Moderate doses of antimony have little influ- 
ence on the temperature, but large doses cause a considerable 
fall, due, no doubt, in the main to the circulatory depression, 
but, also, it is said, to a direct action in decreasing the amount 
of heat produced. 



220 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Excretion. — Antimony is excreted by many channels. We 
have seen that part of its emetic effect is due to its excretion into 
the stomach. It passes out by the bronchial mucous membrane, 
increasing the amount of secretion, and thus acting as an 
expectorant. On the skin the action is that of a diaphoretic. 
This is chiefly a secondary result of the depression of the circu- 
lation, but is possibly in part a direct local effect. In frogs the 
action on the skin is very like that of arsenic, but antimony 
softens rather than detaches the epidermis, which thus becomes 
a jelly-like mass. It is excreted in the bile, and aids its flow ; 
therefore it is a cholagogue. 

In passing through the kindeys it may be slightly diuretic, 
but this depends upon the amount of perspiration produced by 
it. If its use is continued for some time it will cause, like arsenic, 
fatty degeneration, especially of the liver, and abolition of the 
hepatic glycogenic function. 

Therapeutics of Salts of Antimony. 

External. — A solution of antimony chloride, known as 
Butter of Antimony, has been used as a caustic, but its employ- 
ment has been abandoned, as the sore produced is difficult to 
heal. Many years ago an ointment of tartar emetic was com- 
monly applied as a counter-irritant, but it causes much pain, and 
is now seldom used. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Tartar emetic is not to be 
recommended as an emetic, for the action is slow, and the general 
depression of emetic doses is great. For this reason it should 
never be given to produce purgation. The only cases in which 
it is permissible are those in which an emetic is required for 
laryngitis, bronchitis, or some other acute inflammatory condi- 
tion of the respiratory tract, for then its depressant action on the 
circulation may perhaps be beneficial, but usually ipecacuanha is 
preferable. 

Circulation. — Antimony was formerly largely employed, espe- 
cially in combination with aconite, to reduce the force and fre- 
quency of the pulse in all sorts of febrile conditions ; but this is 
now generally thought unnecessary. If it is to be used, it is 



THE PREPARATIONS OF CHROMIUM. 221 

especially indicated in respiratory affections ; for then its expec- 
torant effect may be valuable. 

Respiration. — It has been very much given for the early stage 
of acute bronchitis; but certainly it should not be continued 
after a free secretion of bronchial mucus has been set up by it. 
After that it is, on account of its depressing influence, an unde- 
sirable expectorant. 

JVervous and muscular systems. — Its use as a sedative in de- 
lirium tremens is now abandoned, and the introduction of chlo- 
roform has made it unnecessary to employ tartar emetic to relax 
muscular spasm in herniae, dislocations, etc. 

Remote effects. — Occasionally it is given in fevers for its dia- 
phoretic influence and for its slight antipyretic action. Some- 
times it is ordered as a cholagogue ; but, because of its powerful 
depressant action, it is less used as a medicine than formerly. 

Toxicology. 

Acute Poisoning. — The symptoms are very like those of arsenical poi- 
soning [see p. 215). Post-mortem. — The gastro-intestinal irritation is very 
similar, but it is not nearly so marked. 

Treatment. — Unless the vomiting is very free, apomorphine [hydro- 
chlorate] subcutaneously, or zinc sulphate by the mouth or the stomach pump, 
may be used. Also frequent doses of half a drachm [2. gm.] of tannic or 
gallic acid dissolved in water, strong tea or coffee, mucilaginous drinks, and 
stimulants subcutaneously. Hot water bottles and warm blankets may be 
necessary. 

Chronic Poisoning is not sufficiently common to call for notice here. 
[An instance of the use of antimony for homicidal purposes has recently been 
the subject of judicial inquiry.] 

III. CHROMIUM. 

Cr. [=52.0]. 

ACIDUM CHROMICUM.— Chromic Acid. Cr0 3 [=9 9 88. Syno- 
nyms. — Chromic Anhydride. Chromic Trioxide. 

Source. — Dissolve Potassium Dichromate in Sulphuric Acid and water, 
decant from the Acid Potassium Sulphate, heat with more Sulphuric Acid, cool 
and crystallize. K 2 Cr 2 7 +2H 2 S0 4 =2Cr0 3 -f- 2KHS0 4 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — Small needle shaped crystals, or rhombic prisms, of a 
dark purplish-red color and metallic lustre. Readily yields Oxygen, and will, 
therefore, easily explode, with either Glycerin, Ether, or Alcohol. Solu- 
bility. — Very soluble in water.] 



222 inorganic materia medica. 

Action of Chromic Acid. 

External. — In consequence of its oxidizing power, chromic 
acid is a powerful deodorant and disinfectant. It coagulates 
albumin and oxidizes organic matter, and is therefore a powerful 
caustic. 

Internal. — None is known. 

Therapeutics of Chromic Acid. 

External. — [It is used generally in the strength of i per 
cent, to harden catgut and kangaroo tendon for surgical uses. A 
lotion of the same strength is used in Germany to toughen the 
feet of marching soldiers.] As a lotion, i to 40, chromic acid 
has been used for its disinfectant properties to wash foul ulcers 
and sores, and also as a local application for ozaena, gonorrhoea, 
ljucorrhcea, and bad ulcerations of the mouth. The Liquor [of 
the B. P., which is one part of chromic acid in 3 of water,] is 
occasionally used as a caustic to destroy condylomata, etc. Com- 
pounds of chromium are not given internally. 

The remaining groups of the inorganic drugs are non-metallic. 



GROUP VIII. 

Containing Phosphorus only. 

PHOSPHORUS. 

P.[= 3 o.96:] 

Source. — Treat Bone Ash or Lime Phosphate with Sulphuric Acid and 
water, filter and evaporate. Ca 3 (P0 4 )+2H 2 S0 4 =CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 4~2CaS0 4 . 
Heat the Acid Calcium Phosphate thus formed, with Charcoal [and sand]. 
The heat first forms Calcium Metaphosphate. CaH 4 (P0 4 ) 2 =Ca(P0 8 ) 2 +2H 2 0. 
This is acted on by the Charcoal [and sand] thus: 2Ca(P0 3 ) 2 [-j-2Si0 2 ]-f 
ioC 2 =2CaSi0 3 +ioCO-l-P 4 . 

Characters. — [A translucent, nearly colorless solid of a waxy lustre, 
having, at ordinary temperatures, about the consistence of beeswax. By long 
keeping the surface becomes red, and occasionally black. It has a distinctive 
and disagreeable odor and taste (but should not be tasted except in a state of 
great dilution); when exposed to the air it emits white fumes, which are lumi- 
nous in the dark, and have an odor somewhat resembling garlic. On longer 
exposure to air it takes fire spontaneously. Heated with Hydrogen it becomes 



THE PREPARATIONS OF PHOSPHORUS. 223 

red, amorphous, non-poisonous Phosphorus. Solubility. — Sparingly in alco- 
hol, ether and chloroform; freely in carbon [dijsulphide ; insoluble in water. 
Dose, T ig to Jo S T - > [ oot>5 to °°3 grn.] Never given alone. 

Preparations. 

1. Oleum Phosphoratum. —Phosphorated Oil. [Phosphorus, 
I ; Expressed Oil of Almond, 90 ; (which must be heated to 250 F. ; 
121 C, and filtered to remove water and organic matter, which would 
otherwise oxidize the phosphorus), and Ether to 100. Strength. — I 
per cent.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c. 

2. Pilulae Phosphori. — [Pills of Phosphorus. Dissolve Phos- 
phorus, .06 ; Chloroform, 5 ; add Althaea, 6 ; and Acacia, 6 gm. ; with 
water, and Glycerin ; to make 100 pills.] Strength. — Each pill con- 
tains jig gr. [.0006 gm.] of Phosphorus. 

Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

[3. Spiritus Phosphori. — Spirit of Phosphorus. Synonym. — 
Tincture of Phosphorus. Phosphorus, 1.2; absolute Alcohol to icoo. 
Dissolve by heating upon a water-bath. 

Spirit of Phosphorus is used to prepare Elixir Phosphori. 

Dose, 8 to 40 m. ; .50 to 2.50 c.c. 

4. Elixir Phosphori. — Elixir of Phosphorus. Spirit of Phos- 
phorus, 210 ; Oil of Anise, 2 ; Glycerin, 550 ; Aromatic Elixir to 1 000. 

Dose, ]A to 7.y 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 10. c.c. 

Action of Phosphorus. 
The action of minute doses of phosphorus is that in animals 
the spongy tissue in the long and short bones is thickened, and 
the compact tissue is rendered more dense. [It diminishes tissue 
waste, decreasing the elimination of urea and of carbon dioxide. 
As it is found as a necessary element in the nervous system its 
action is that of a stimulant to its growth.] Phosphorus enters 
the blood as phosphorus, and probably acts as such, not as phos- 
phoric acid, [The best known liquid preparation is Thompson's 
solution: phosphorus, i; absolute alcohol, 300; glycerin, 720; 
and spirit of peppermint, 40; dose, ^3 to 1 fl. dr. ; 1 20 to 4.00 
c.c] See [also] Toxicology. 

Therapeutics of Phosphorus. 
Phosphorus has been used in osteomalacia, in rickets, and in 
cases of ununited fracture ; but for rickets at least it is a very 



224 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

inferior remedy, and it is probably of little use in medicine. 

[This statement is incorrect so far as concerns rickets. Without 

doubt it promotes calcareous deposit in the healing of fractures. 

It is of value in the convalescence from exhausting diseases, in 

nervous exhaustion, in neuralgia when dependent upon debility, 

in alcoholism, in sexual exhaustion and in various suppurative 

diseases.] 

Toxicology. 

Acute Poisoning. — Phosphorus is often taken or administered crimi- 
nally, either as match-heads or vermin paste. 

Symptoms. — For the first few hours there are no effects, then the following 
symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation set in : Nausea, abdominal pain, and 
vomiting ; the vomited matters smell of phosphorus and are luminous, [if 
heated with sulphuric acid (Wood)]. There is some general depression. 
Diarrhoea is rare. The patient may die in collapse, but far more frequently 
these symptoms all pass off, and he appears quite well. But after three or four 
days jaundice is noticed, and this soon becomes very [marked] ; there is now 
great prostration, the liver is enlarged, the abdomen distended, and he com- 
plains of intense thirst. [There is likely to be a garlicky odor to the breath. 
(Brunton, Semple)]. Vomiting of altered blood and diarrhoea with bloody 
stools may be observed, but these two symptoms are not severe. The skin is 
cold, the pulse feeble and rapid. The urine is scanty, highly colored, albumin- 
ous, bile-stained, and perhaps bloody, and it may contain bile acids and crys- 
tals of leucin and tyrosin. [Sarcolactic acid found in the urine is diagnostic. 
(Wood)]. Muscular twitchings occur, the patient becomes comatose and dies. 
Post-mortem. — Two results are very striking, (i.) Fatty degeneration (thus 
phosphorus resembles arsenic and antimony), affecting principally the liver, in 
which it is very marked; and if the patient lives long enough, there may be 
a diminution in the size of the organ. Fatty degeneration is also found in the 
muscles, kidneys and gastro-intestinal tract. (2.) Haemorrhages are seen in 
many places, and ecchymoses are sometimes very abundant. If they occur in 
the gastric and intestinal mucous membranes, they may give rise to the errone- 
ous belief that evidences of acute gastro-intestinal irritation can be found at 
death. The symptoms of phosphorus poisoning in many respects resemble 
those of acute yellow atrophy of the liver. 

Treatment. — Thoroughly empty the stomach by a stomach pump, or by 
washing it out. [Formerly] copper sulphate [was given] as an emetic [see 
Copper, p. 174), three grains [.20 gm.] every few minutes till vomiting is in- 
duced, then every 15 minutes; also half a drachm [2. c.c] of oil of turpen- 
tine every half hour. A full dose of a saline purge may be administered. 
[Repeated and free inhalations of oxygen have been used (Janeway) which 
suggest that hydrogen dioxide may be efficacious when given by the mouth.] 



THE PREPARATIONS OF THE HYPOPHOSPHITES. 225 

No oils or fats should on any account be given. [Percy found that the old 
oil of turpentine, which contains oxygen, if administered soon after taking the 
poison and before it was absorbed, was an antidote (experiments upon dogs).] 
Chronic Poisoning. — This, which used to be seen in those who worked 
among phosphorus fumes, is now of great rarity. [This is because the red or 
non-poisonous phosphorus is generally employed in match factories.] The 
chief symptoms are tbose of gastro-intestinal irritation and necrosis of the jaw. 

i. CALCII HYPOPHOSPHIS.- [Calcium Hypophosphite. Ca(P 
H 2 2 ) 2 =i6 9 .6 7 . 

Source. — Heat Phosphorus with Milk of Lime. Then pass Carbon 
Dioxide through the liquid to remove the excess of Lime. The Hypophosphite 
crystallizes out of the solution. 3Ca(OH) 2 +4P 2 -|-6H 2 0=3Ca( PH 2 2 ) 2 -}-2PH 3 . 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms or small lus- 
trous scales, or a white, crystalline powder, having a nauseous, bitter taste. 
Solubility. — In 6.8 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 

2. SOD 1 1 HYPOPHOSPHIS.— [Sodium Hypophosphite. NaPH 2 2 
-fH 2 0=io5.8 4 .] 

Source. — Add Sodium Carbonate to a solution of Lime Hypophosphite 
and evaporate [the filtrate]. Ca(PH 2 2 ) 2 +Na 2 C0 3 =CaC0 3 +2NaPH 2 2 . 

Characters. — [Small, colorless, transparent, rectangular plates of a 
pearly lustre, or a white granular salt, with a bitterish-sweet, saline taste. 
Solubility. — In 1 part of water; in 30 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

3. [POTASSII HYPOPHOSPHIS. — Potassium Hypophosphite. 
KPH 2 2 =io 3 . 9 i. 

Source. — From double decomposition of Calcium Hypophosphite and 
Potassium Carbonate ; the Potassium Hypophosphite remains in solution. 
Ca(PH 2 2 ) 2 +K 2 C0 3 =CaC0 3 +2KPH/) 2 . 

Characters. — White, opaque, hexagonal plates, or crystalline masses, 
or a granular powder, having a pungent, saline taste. Solubility. — In 0.6 part 
of water, and in 7.3 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr.; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Syrupus Hypophosphitum. — Syrup of the Hypophosphites. 

Calcium Hypophosphite, 45 ; Sodium Hypophosphite, 15 ; Potas- 
sium Hypophosphite, 15; diluted Hypophosphorous Acid, 2; Spirit of 
Lemon, 5 j sugar, 500; and sufficient water to make 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

2. Syrupus Hypophosphitum cum Ferro. — Syrup of the Hypo- 
phosphites with Iron. 

15 



226 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Ferrous Lactate, io; Potassium Citrate, 10; Syrup of the Hypo- 
phosphites, to iooo. 

Dose, i to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

4. FERRI HYPOPHOSPHIS.— Ferric Hypophosphite. Fe 2 (PH 2 

2 ) 6 =5oi-04- 

Source. — A solution of Sodium Hypophosphite is added to a solution of 
Ferric Chloride, the precipitate is washed and dried with moderate heat. 
6NaPH 2 2 +2FeCl 6 =Fe 2 (PH 2 2 ) 6 +6NaCl. 

Characters. — A white, or grayish-white powder, nearly tasteless. Solu- 
bility. — Only slightly soluble in water. 

Impurities. — All of the Hypophosphites are liable to be contaminated 
with the alkaline carbonates or to contain free alkali. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

5. ZINCI PHOSPHIDUM.— Zinc Phosphide. Zn 3 P 2 =2 5 7.22. 
Source. — From vapor of Phosphorus in a current of dry Hydrogen over 

heated Zinc, after all atmospheric air is expelled. 

Characters. — A gritty powder of a dark-gray color, or crystalline 
fragments of a dark metallic lustre, and having a faint odor and taste of 
phosphorus. 

Dose, yL to Y> gr. ; .006 to .02 gm. 

6. ACIDUM HYPOPHOSPHOROSUM DILUTUM.— Diluted 

Hypophosphorous Acid. A liquid composed of about 10 per cent., by weight, 
of absolute Hypophosphorous Acid (HPH 2 2 =65.88) and about 90 per cent, 
of water. 

Source. — Decompose Potassium Hypophosphite by Sulphuric Acid, filter 
and evaporate to a syrupy consistence. 2KPH 2 2 -f- H 2 S0 4 = K 2 S0 4 -f- 2H 
PH 2 2 . 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, without odor, and having an acid 
taste. Sp. gr. about 1.046. Solubility. — Miscible in all proportions, with 
water. 

Diluted Hypophosphorus Acid is tised in Syrupus Hypophosphitum.] 

Therapeutics of Ferric, Calcium. Sodium, and Potassium 

Hypophosphites. 

These drugs have been recommended for phthisis. Although 

in many cases there is no satisfactory evidence of their value [yet 

they are extensively used and are the basis of a large number of 

proprietary preparations. 

Following Churchill they should be of chemical purity, neu- 
tral in reaction ; the presence of free alkali or alkaline carbonates 



THE PREPARATIONS OF CHLORINE. 227 

quickly giving rise to an atonic dyspepsia. The preparation, the 
syrup of the hypophosphites, is faulty in that each salt has a pecu- 
liar property, yet the final result being due to the hypophosphite, 
and its beneficial effect upon nutrition. In the early stages of 
phthisis (infiltration) the sodium salt should be administered and 
the sodium salt alone ; if excavation is present the calcium salt is 
indicated, and that alone, provided that it does not too suddenly 
check expectoration, when the sodium salt should be resumed. 

The potassium salt is a valuable expectorant in chronic bron- 
chitis ; but it has a very limited usefulness in phthisis. The hypo- 
phosphites, when administered intelligently, will improve nutri- 
tion and relieve some of the symptoms of phthisis. If adminis- 
tered in too large doses, or simultaneously with other remedies, as 
arsenic, stimulants, strychnine, or cod-liver oil, they are likely to 
produce headaches and dyspepsia, and fail to cause improvement. 
The objection to the syrup, U. S. P., namely, the use of the 
salts in combination, applies to nearly all of the proprietary pre- 
parations, most of which contain impure drugs, contain a low per- 
centage of hypophosphites, and are not scientific combinations. 
The syrup of the hypophosphites with iron is valuable as a 
reconstructive. Zinc phosphide is believed to have the same 
physiological and therapeutical effects as phosphorus.] 



GROUP IX. 

Chlorine, Iodine, Bromine. 

These elements, which are chemically so closely allied, are all of them 
powerful disinfectants and irritants. 

I. CHLORUM. 

[CHLORUM.- Chlorine. CI. = 35.37.] 

This gas is not official under its own name, but is obtained from two 
sources of it, viz., Hydrochloric Acid and Chlorinated Lime. 

1. [AQUA CHLORI. — Chlorine water. An aqueous solution of Chlo- 
rine (Cl=35.37) containing at least 0.4 per cent, of the gas.] 

Source. — Pass washed Chlorine gas into water. The gas is obtained by 
heating diluted Hydrochloric Acid, 35 ; and Manganese Dioxide, 10. 4HCI 
+Mn0 2 =Cl 2 +MnCl 2 +2H 2 0. 



228 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — [A clear greenish-yellow liquid, having the suffocating 
odor and disagreeable taste of Chlorine.] 

Incompatibles. — Lead and Silver salts. 

[Free Chlorine is contained in Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum.] 

Dose, I to 4 fl. dr. ; [4. to 15. c.c] diluted with water. 

2. CALX CHLORATA. — Chlorinated Lime. [A compound resulting 
from the action of Chlorine upon Calcium Hydrate, and containing not less 
than 35 per cent, of available Chlorine.] Synonym. — Bleaching powder. It 
may be regarded either as a compound of Calcium Hypochlorite and Chloride, 
or as one of Lime and Chlorine. 

Source. — Pass Chlorine gas over slaked Lime. 2Ca(OH) 2 {- 2C1 2 = 
CaCl 2 2 +CaCl 2 +2H 2 0. 

Characters. — A white or grayish-white granular powder, [exhaling the 
odor of Hypochlorous Acid, having a repulsive, saline taste, and becoming 
moist and gradually decomposing on exposure to air.] 

3. LIQUOR SOD^CHLORATffi.- [Solution of Chlorinated Soda. 
Synonym. — Labarraque's solution. An aqueous solution of several Chlorine 
compounds of Sodium, chiefly NaCl and NaCIO, containing at least 2 6 per 
cent., by weight, of available Chlorine.] 

Source. — [A solution of Sodium Carbonate, 150; Chlorinated Lime, 75; 
in water to 1000. 

Characters. — A clear, pale-greenish liquid, having a faint odor cf 
Chlorine. Sp. gr. about 1.052.] 

Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; [2. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Chlorine. 
External. — Chlorine is one of the most powerful disinfec- 
tants and deodorizers. It has a very great affinity for hydro- 
gen, and hence decomposes compounds which contain hydrogen, 
oxygen generally being set free. Chlorine is a very active and 
destructive irritant to the skin and mucuous membranes. 

Internal — It is hardly ever given internally. If it were, it 
would become converted into chlorides, [but the odor of chlo- 
rine has been found in the brain after death from its inhalation 
(Cameron). The odor of chlorine is noticeable in the faeces after 
its internal administration.] 

Therapeutics of Chlorine. 
External — Chlorine is largely used in the form of chlori- 
nated lime to disinfect privies, drains, urinals, etc. It may be 



THE PREPARATIONS OF IODINE. 229 

employed also to disinfect rooms after infectious diseases. AM 
metals or articles such as fabrics, likely to be bleached, should be 
covered up or removed ; the windows and chimneys should be 
pasted up. The gas can be evolved from common salt, [18;] 
manganese dioxide, [15;] and sulphuric acid, [45; in iced 
water, 21 parts by weight.] The door is then shut, and the 
cracks around it are pasted over with paper. [To disinfect hands 
moistened chlorinated lime is spread over the hands, next a large 
crystal of washing soda is held in the hands, and they are washed 
with rubbing under water until a cooling sensation is experienced. 
The best disinfectant for excreta is fresh chlorinated lime, 1 ; dis- 
solved in water, 16. One quart (960 c.c.) is placed in the recep- 
tacle into which the dejecta are received and left one hour. 
(Sternberg.)] Chlorine water is sometimes employed as a wash 
for foul ulcers and discharges. 

Internal. — Chlorine is used internally in the form of a wash 
for the mouth. The vapor gives rise to great irritation of the 
respiratory tract, and should never be inhaled. [Aqua Chlori 
has been successfully used, well diluted, in the diarrhoea of 
typhoid fever, particularly in markedly septic patients. After 
the administration of drachm doses every hour the temperature 
falls, the intellect brightens, the tongue clears and betterment 
goes on to recovery in many apparently hopeless cases.] 

'II. IODUM. 

IODUM.— Iodine. I [=126.53.] 

Source. — Obtained from the ashes of sea-weed [and from the mother- 
liquor of Chilian Sodium Nitrate. 

Characters. — Heavy bluish-black, dry and friable rhombic plates, hav- 
ing a metallic lustre, a distinctive odor, and a sharp and acrid taste. Solubil- 
ity. — In 5000 parts of water; in 10 parts of Alcohol, freely in Ether, slightly 
in Glycerin, freely in a solution of Potassium Iodide or Sodium Chloride.] 

Incompatibles. — Ammonia, metallic salts, mineral acids, and alkaloids. 

Impurities. — Iodine cyanide, and iron. 

Preparations. 

[1. Liquor Iodi Compositus. — Compound Solution of Iodine. 
Synonym.— Lugol's Solution. Iodine, 5; Potassium Iodide, 10; water 
to 100. Strength. — 5 per cent.] 

Dose, 1 to 10 m.; [.06 to .60 c. c] 



230 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Tinctura Iodi. — [Tincture of Iodine. Iodine, 70; Alcohol 
to 1000. Strength. — 7 per cent. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c. c] 

3. Unguentum Iodi. — [Iodine Ointment. Iodine, 4 ; Potassium 
Iodide, 1 ; water, 2; Benzoinated Lard, 93. Strength. — 4 per cent.] 

Action of Iodine. 

External. — The actions of iodine applied externally are the 
same as those of chlorine, that is to say, it is powerfully disin- 
fectant and irritant. The latter action is the most important. 
Iodine applied to the skin produces a yellow stain, which can be 
removed by an alkali or sodium hyposulphite. At the same time 
it causes a sensation of heat and burning, dilatation of the vessels 
(rubefaction), and some oedematous swelling. Preparations of 
iodine are rarely used strong enough to produce more powerful 
irritation than this. The external application of them probably 
reflexly dilates the vessels of the subjacent organs, and this may 
explain their use as counter irritants. If they are too strong, 
the irritation set up by them will proceed to the formation of 
vesicles, and even pustules, and deep inflammation with scarring. 
They usually destroy the superficial cuticle, so that after the use 
of them the skin peels. Iodine may be absorbed from the skin, 
and the alkalies in the blood serum lead to the formation of sodium 
iodide and iodate; thus, 6NaHC0 3 +3l 2 =5NaI+NaI0 3 +6C0 2 
-|~3H 2 0. These, when they meet an acid, undergo double 
decomposition ; thus 5NaI + NaI0 3 -fH 2 0=6NaHO + 3T 2 . Thus 
free iodine is formed in the stomach and kidneys, and so if 
iodine has been applied to too large an area we get gastrointes- 
tinal irritation and vomiting. The same may happen if it is 
taken by the mouth, and it may cause precisely the same symp- 
toms of iodism as potassium iodide. Iodine preparations are 
parasiticides to the various vegetable and animal parasites 
which infest the skin. 

Internal. — Minute doses of the tincture occasionally stop 
vomiting. The vapor [B. P., which is tincture of iodine, 1 ; 
water, 8 ; to be gently heated] is very irritating to the respiratory 
passages. 



the preparations of iodine. 231 

Therapeutics of Iodine. 
External. — Iodine is rarely employed for its antiseptic pro- 
perties, as chlorine is cheaper. The preparations of iodine are 
in constant use as irritants and counter-irritants. Usually one or 
two coats of the liniment [B. P., which contains iodine, 5 ; 
potassium iodide, 2; glycerin, 1; alcohol, 40], lightly painted 
on the skin, suffice ; if more is used the inflammation is too severe. 
If it causes pain, it may be washed off with a solution of potas- 
sium iodide. The ointment, tincture and compound solution are 
much milder than the liniment. Preparations of iodine are fre- 
quently used as counter-irritants for chronic inflammation of 
joints, for pleurisy, chilblains, periostitis, and many other pur- 
poses. The mild preparations of iodine are applied over chroni- 
cally inflamed lymphatic glands when the cause of the swelling 
cannot be removed. A decolorized tincture of iodine is pre- 
pared, consisting of iodine dissolved in alcohol, and decolorized 
by a strong solution of ammonia. Its strength is 1 in 40, nearly, 
and has the advantage of not staining the skin ; but it contains 
no iodine, for ammonium iodide and iodate are formed. There- 
fore it is a much milder irritant than other iodine preparations. 
Any effect it may have is due to excess of ammonia. For its 
irritant effect the official tincture may be injected into a hydro- 
ccele or a cyst to cause adhesive inflammation, and it has been 
injected into joints, abscesses, and the pleural cavity after empy- 
ema; but in such cases great care must be taken that the inflam- 
mation induced is not too severe, and this treatment is now very 
rarely used, for the cavities, being kept aseptic, heal up with- 
out it. The tincture, or, if it can be borne, the liquor [B. P., 
which is iodine, 10; potassium iodide, 15 ; water, 200 ;] is often 
used as an antiparasitic for ringworm. Coster's paste, which is 
sometimes employed for this disease, consists of iodine dissolved 
in light oil of wood tar (1 to 4). Morton's fluid, which is used 
as an injection for spina bifida, consists of iodine, 1 ; potassium 
iodide, 3 ; glycerin, 48. [Two preparations are frequently em- 
ployed in the treatment of diseases of women. These are: 
Churchill's tincture ; iodine, 5; potassium iodide, 1; water, 8; 
alcohol, 24, and Battey's fluid; iodine, 2 ; pure carbolic acid, 1.] 



232 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Internal. — The vapor [B. P., see p. 230] of iodine is occa- 
sionally inhaled for diseases of the lungs ; but it probably does 
more harm than good. One or two minims, [.06 to .12 c.c] of 
the tincture in half an ounce, [15. c.c] of water are often given, 
quite empirically, every half hour, in cases of vomiting, and some- 
times with distinct benefit. 

1. POTASSII IODIDUM.— Potassium Iodide KI[=i6 5 .56.] 
Source. — Dissolve Iodine in a hot solution of Potassa in distilled water. 

3l 2 +6KrlO=5KI-)-KI03+3H 2 0. Evaporate and heat the residue with 
Charcoal; the Oxygen of the Iodate is carried off as Carbonic Oxide. KI0 3 
-j-C 3 =KI-f-3C0. Dissolve in boiling water, filter, wash and crystallize. 

Characters. — [Colorless, transparent or translucent, cubical crystals, or 
a white, granular powder, having a peculiar, faint, iodine-like odor, and a 
pungent, saline, afterwards bitter taste. Solubility. — In 0.75 part of water; 
in 18 of Alcohol ; in 2.5 of Glycerin.] 

Incompatibles. — Bismuth subnitrate, sweet spirits of nitre, liquorice, and 
preparations containing starch. 

Impurities. — Iodates and free alkalies. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr.; [.30 to 4.00 gm.,] or more. 

Preparations. 

[1. Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici. — Syrup of Hydriodic Acid. A 
syrupy liquid containing about 1 per cent., by weight, of absolute 
Hydriodic Acid (HI— 127.53). 

Source. — Dissolve Potassium Iodide, 13; and Potassium Hypo- 
phosphite, I ; in water. Dissolve Tartaric Acid, 12 ; in diluted Alcohol, 
25 ; mix the two solutions, cool, filter, reduce the filtrate by evaporation 
to 50 parts, and mix, when cold, with Syrup to 1000. 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless or not more than a pale 
straw-colored liquid, having a sweet and acidulous taste and an acid 
reaction. Sp. gr., about 1. 3 13. 

Dose, )l to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c] 

2. Unguentum Potassii Iodidi. — [Ointment of Potassium 
Iodide. Potassium Iodide, 12; Sodium Hyposulphite, I ; hot water, 
10; Benzoinated Lard, 77.] 

2. SODII IODIDUM.— Sodium Iodide. [^1=149.53]. 
Source. — Made from a solution of Soda, as Potassium Iodide is made 

from a solution of Potassa. 3l 2 -f-6NaHO=5NaI-|-NaI03+3H 2 0. 

Characters. — [Colorless, cubical crystals or a white crystalline powder, 
having a saline and slightly bitter taste. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water; 
in about 3 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [30 to 2.00 gm.,] or more. 






THE PREPARATIONS OF IODINE. 233 

[3. AMMONII I ODIDUM.— Ammonium Iodide. NH 4 I=:i4 4 .5 4 . 

Source. — Dissolve Potassium Iodide and Ammonium Sulphate in boiling 
water, add Alcohol, filter, wash, and evaporate the filtrate to dryness. 2KI-)- 
(NHJ 2 S0 4 =2NH 4 I+K 2 S0 V 

Characters. — Minute, colorless, cubical crystals, or a white granular 
powder, very deliquescent, having a sharp, saline taste. Solubility. — In I 
part of water, and in 9 parts of Alcohol. 

Impurities — Iodates and potassium sulphate. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm., or more. 

4. STRONTII I ODIDUM. —Strontium Iodide. Srl 2 + 6H 2 = 
448.12. 

Source. — By neutralization of freshly prepared solution of Hydriodic 
Acid with Strontium Carbonate ; the filtrate is concentrated and the salt obtained 
by crystallization. 2HI-f-SrC0 3 =SrI 2 +C0 2 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, hexagonal plates, odorless, and 
having a bitterish, saline taste. Deliquescent, and colored yellow by exposure 
to air and light. Solubility. — In o. 6 part of water ; soluble in Alcohol, and 
slightly in Ether. 

Impurity. — Barium salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2 00 gm. 

5. ZINCI IODIDUM.— Zinc Iodide. Znl 2 =3i8.i6. 

Source. — By digesting an excess of Zinc, with Iodine diffused in water. 
Zn+I 2 -)-H 2 0=ZnT 2 +H 2 0. 

Characters — A white, granular powder, odorless, and having a sharp, 
saline and metallic taste. Very deliquescent, and liable to absorb oxygen from 
the air, and to become brown from liberated Iodine. Solubility. — Readily in 
water, Alcohol, or Ether. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm.] 

Action of Potassium, Sodium, [Ammonium, Strontium and 
Zincj Iodides.] 

External. — They have none. They do not irritate, nor are 
they absorbed by the unbroken skin. 

Internal. — There is much uncertainty about the action of 
iodides, which is not surprising when we remember the powerful 
chemical affinities of iodine. Binz teaches that they are decom- 
posed in the body by small quantities of nascent oxygen (set free 
by living protoplasm) acting upon an iodide which is in an acid- 
ulated solution, the acid being provided by carbon [dioxide]. 



234 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Thus KI+H,0+CO a =KHCO,+HI, and then 4 HI+0 2 =2H 2 
-f-2l 2 . We have just shown that iodine acts as an absorbent and 
that it leads to leucocytosis ; and that iodides act by virtue of 
the iodine set free from them in the body is supported by the fact 
that the older physicians produced the same therapeutic effects 
by giving iodine internally as we procure with iodides, and that 
iodine taken internally will produce symptoms of iodism. Potas- 
sium iodide replaced iodine in therapeutics because it does not 
cause the same gastro-intestinal irritation. The beneficial effects 
of iodides are so very marked in syphilis thaHn this disease they 
must have some specific action in addition to their general power 
as absorbents. They also have a specific effect on the mammary 
gland, for they lessen the secretion of milk. In long-continued 
large doses they cause atrophy of the testicles and breasts. Some 
believe that they aid in the elimination of lead, and this may be 
due to the fact that lead albuminate is soluble in solutions of 
potassium iodide. Occasionally considerable general depression 
is produced by large doses of potassium iodide ; but this is prob- 
ably due to the potassium, and not to the iodine, [and in this 
case the syrup of hydriodic acid can be substituted]. The iodides 
are rapidly eliminated by the urine, saliva, sweat and mucous 
membranes. When taken in excess they produce a number of 
symptoms known as Iodism. 

Iodism. — [This occurs in three forms, (i) The symptoms 
are those of gastric irritation only.] (2) The patient complains 
of heavy pain over the frontal sinus, running at the nose, sore 
throat, increased secretion of saliva, and an eruption on the skin, 
consisting of patches of erythema. The inflammation about the 
fauces may spread to the gums or down the trachea, setting up 
laryngitis, tracheitis, and bronchitis. [Nervous troubles, neural- 
gia, singing in the ears, convulsive movements, disturbed intellec- 
tation and rarely atrophy of mammae and testicles may be noticed. 
(3) Iodicc achexia, which is characterized by rapid emaciation ; 
severe cardiac palpitation and ravenous appetite are also promi- 
nent symptoms]. The susceptibility of people to poisoning by 
iodides varies very much. 



the preparations of iodine. 235 

Therapeutics of Potassium, Sodium, [Ammonium, Strontium 
and Zinc] Iodides. 

The most important use of iodides is for syphilis ; their value 
for the primary and secondary stages is comparatively slight, but 
they are invaluable for the tertiary stage, as they often cause the 
rapid absorption of nodes, gummata and other syphilitic deposits. 
The pharmacopceial dose may often be exceeded : patients some- 
times take two, three, or even four drachms [8. to 16. gm.] a day. 
Large doses are especially used in syphilis of the nervous system. 
[Daily doses of an ounce, 30. gm., are not infrequently neces- 
sary in these cases. No symptoms of iodism are likely to appear 
until the disease subsides.] Potassium iodide is often prescribed 
with [corrosive mercuric] chloride ; [red mercuric] iodide is 
formed and dissolved in the excess of potassium iodide. 

Chronic rheumatoid arthritis is often treated, and sometimes 
with benefit, by small doses of potassium iodide continued for a 
long while, but probably [ferrous] iodide is more useful. So-called 
gonorrhceal rheumatism is often treated with potassium iodide [but 
the syrup of hydriodic acid is preferable.] It frequently aids the 
absorption of chronic inflammatory products, even when they are 
not syphilitic. Therefore certain forms of joint disease, of pleurisy 
and of pulmonic consolidation sometimes yield to treatment by 
this drug. The attempt has been made to cure aneurisms which 
are inaccessible to surgery by giving potassium iodide for long 
periods, for it is thought that it aids the coagulation of blood in 
them ; but as at the same time the patient is always kept in bsd, 
it is difficult to say how much of any improvement that may happen 
to take place is due to the iodide. Occasionally it relieves the 
pain of aneurism or of angina pectoris. It is a valuable expec- 
torant, particularly the ammonium salt, and sometimes cures 
cases of bronchitis when other remedies have failed. Lately, 
chronic Bright' s disease has been largely treated with the drug. 
Lardaceous disease of the k'drieys and other organs is benefited 
by it. [The potassium salt] is recommended for the [symptom] 
asthma, and in some cases does much good. It is occasionally 
given to decrease the secretion of milk. Potassium iodide per- 



236 



IflSf ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



haps causes an increased excretion of both lead and mercury if 
they exist in the body, and is therefore occasionally given in 
chronic poisoning by these metals. Sodium iodide is not so 
much used ; it probably produces the same effects as the 
potassium salt, [but does not occasion so much depression.] 
Ammonium iodide may be given if the potassium salt causes 
depression. 

[Strontium iodide has been recently introduced, and is used 
for the same purposes as the other iodides. It is believed that it 
is less likely to disturb the stomach, cause acne, and depress the 
heart than the remaining iodides. In many instances the syrup 
of hydriodic acid can be substituted with advantage for the 
iodides. It is not so likely to produce iodism, nor does it so 
readily give rise to the u iodide punishment." Its pleasant taste 
is grateful to most patients ; it should, however, be administered, 
well diluted, one-half hour before meals, or at least upon an empty 
stomach. Some of the commercial preparations are likely to 
readily decompose, especially when made from tartaric acid and 
potassium iodide, and are objectionable from the amount of syrup 
which is administered when large doses are employed.] 



III. BROMUM. 

BROMUM.— Bromine. Br.^79.76.] 

Source. — [A liquid] obtained from sea water and saline springs. 

Characters.— A heavy, dark, brownish red, mobile liquid, evolving, 
even at ordinary temperatures, a yellowish-red vapor, highly irritating to the 
eyes and lungs, and having a peculiar suffocating odor, resembling that of 
Chlorine. Sp. gr., 2.990.] Solubility. — In 30 parts of water; readily in 
Alcohol and Ether. 

Impurity.— Iodine. 

Action of Bromine. 
Its action is like that of chlorine and iodine. It is rarely 
used in medicine. 

1. POTASSII BROMIDUM.— Potassium Bromide. KBr[=i 18.79]. 

Source. — [By adding Bromine to a solution of Potassa, a solution of the 
Bromide and Bromate is made. 3Br 2 -)-6KOH=5KBr+KBr0 3 +3H 2 0. 
On evaporation to dryness, mixing the salts with Charcoal and heating to red- 
ness, the Bromate is reduced to a Bromide, while the Oxygen unites with the 



THE PREPARATIONS OF BROWNE. 237 

Carbon, forming Carbonic Oxide, which escapes. KBr0 3 -f-3C~KBr4^3CO. 
Dissolving in water, the solution yields the Bromide in crystals. 

Characters. —Colorless or white cubical crystals, or granules, having a 
pungent saline taste. Solubility : — In about 1.6 parts water; in 200 parts 
of Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Potassium bromide and free alkali.] 

Incompatibles. — Acids, acid and metallic salts. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr.; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

2. SODII BROMIDUM.— Sodium Bromide. NaBr[=io2.76.] 
Source. — Made from a solution of Soda, as Potassium Bromide is made 

from a solution of Potassa. 

Characters. — [Colorless or white cubical crystals, or a white granular 
powder, having a saline, slightly bitter taste. Solubility. — In about 1.2 parts 
of water; in 13 parts of Alcohol.] 

Impurities and Incompatibles. — Those of Potassium Bromide. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

3. AMMONII BROMIDUM.— Ammonium Bromide. NH 4 Br[= 

97-77-] 

Source. — Made by neutralizing Hydrobromic Acid with Ammonia or 
Ammonium Carbonate, evaporating and crystallizing. [HBr-f-NH 4 OH= 
NH 4 Br+H 2 0.] 

Characters. — Colorless [transparent, prismatic crystals, or a white crys- 
talline product, having a pungent saline taste. Solubility. — In 1.5 parts of 
water; in 30 parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Acids, acid salts, and spirit of nitrous ether. 

Impurities. — Iodides and free bromine. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

[4. LITHII BROMIDUM.— Lithium Bromide. LiBr=86.77. 

Source. — From a solution of Ferrous Bromide heated with Lithium Car- 
bonate ; when cool the solution is evaporated, and the salt obtained by crystal- 
lization. FeBr a +Li 2 CO s =2LiBr+FeC0 3 . 

Characters. — A white granular salt, odorless, having a sharp and 
slightly bitter taste, very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of water; very 
soluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

5. CALCH BROMIDUM.— Calcium Bromide. CaBr 2 =iao.43. 

Source. — From pure Calcium Carbonate by solution in Hydrobromic 
Acid and evaporation. CaC0 3 -f-2HBr=CaBr 2 4-C0 2 - r -H. 1 0. 

Characters. — A white granular sdt, having a sharp, saline taste, very 
deliquescent. Solubility. — In 0.7 part of water, and in I part of Alcohol. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 



238 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



6. ZINCI BROMIDUM.— Zinc Bromide. ZnBr 2 r= 2 24.62. 
Source. — From granulated Zinc digested in Hydrobromic Acid ; the 

solution is concentrated, acidulated with Hydrobromic Acid, and dried upon a 
water-bath. Zn-j-2HBr=ZnBr 2 +H 2 . 

Characters. — A white granular powder, having a sharp, saline and 
metallic taste, very deliquescent, and a neutral reaction. Solubility. — Readily 
in water and Alcohol. 

Dose, i to 5 gt. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

7. STRONTII BROMIDUM.— Strontium Bromide. SrBr 2 -f 6H 2 

=-354.58. 

Source. — By neutralizing diluted Hydrobromic Acid with Strontium Car- 
bonate, filtration and evaporation. SrC0 3 -{-2HBr=SrBr 2 4-C0 2 -[-H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, hexagonal crystals, odorless, and 
having a bitter saline taste. Very deliquescent. Solubility. — In 1.05 parts of 
water. Readily soluble in Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Barium and calcium salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action of the Bromides. 

External. — They have none. 

Internal — Alimentary canal. — Solutions of any of the first 
three bromides, frequently painted on the throat, diminish its 
sensibility. Medicinal doses have no Other effect on the alimen- 
tary canal. All bromides are quickly converted into sodium 
bromide in the stomach and intestines, and they are readily 
absorbed. 

Nervous system. —Bromides are powerful depressants to 
the nervous system ; [the action of the potassium salt being 
most marked.] Thus, if an animal be given large doses of any of 
them, irritation of the cortical motor areas, which before easily 
excited movements, fails to do so. Experiments also show that 
the reflex excitability of the cord is considerably diminished, and 
that the activity of the sensory mechanism is also impaired, for 
large doses of bromides given to frogs cause cutaneous anaesthesia. 
In man, at least, not only the cortical motor area, but the brain 
as a whole is depressed, therefore these drugs are powerful hyp- 
notics. It is probable that in addition to the brain and spinal 
cord the peripheral nerves are depressed, so that bromides are 
well worthy to be called powerful nervous depressants. The activ- 



THE PREPARATIONS OF BROMINE. 239 

ity of the muscles is also diminished, not only by the action of 
the drugs on the nervous system, but by their direct action on 
them. 

Circulation. — Here also bromides are depressant ; large doses 
exert a direct paralyzing influence on the heart, lessening the 
force and the frequency of the beat and producing stop- 
page in diastole; [the potassium having the greatest effect, the 
sodium salt has less influence; the ammonium salt slightly stimu- 
lating the heart.] They are said to cause vaso-motor spasm ; but 
the evidence of this is very unsatisfactory. Toxic doses produce 
a fall of temperature; this is probably in some way secondary to 
the depression of the circulation. 

Respiration is slightly depressed by bromides. 

Metabolism. — The amount of carbon [dioxide] exhaled is 
greatly decreased by taking large doses of bromides. The amount 
of urine is increased [particularly after the use of the lithium 
salt]; the coloring matters, the sulphur, and the nitrogen in it 
are increased; but the phosphorus is decreased. 

Sexual organs. — If bromides are taken for a long time a failure 
of sexual vigor is produced, and ultimately there is a great lessen- 
ing of the sexual appetite. Bromides are therefore anaphro- 
disiacs. 

Elimination. — Bromides are rapidly eliminated by the kid- 
neys, skin, saliva, intestinal mucous membrane, bronchial mucous 
membrane, and in milk. 

Bromism. — -If bromides are taken for too long a period a 
series of symptoms of poisoning, to which the above name has been 
given, may appear. [The hydrobromic acid {see p. 241), although 
containing a larger proportion of bromine, rarely gives rise to bro- 
mism.] The earliest of them is a rash, consisting of red papules, 
chiefly on the face and back, exactly resembling some forms of 
acne. This is probably the result of the excretion of bromide by 
the skin. The next symptoms are a general lowering of the 
cutaneous sensibility and also of that of the pharynx, then there 
is diminution of sexual power, the patient becomes low-spirited, 
easily fatigued, unfit for work, and his intellect is dulled. There 
may be a little conjunctivitis, and some increased secretion from 



240 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the bronchi. [A coated tongue and disordered digestion are 
constant symptoms.] 

Potassium bromide owes its action largely to the bromine in 
it, but probably also, to a less extent, to the potassium. In man, 
at least, the higher functions of the brain are depressed before the 
lower, and these again before the "spinal. Thus the depression 
takes place in regular order from above downwards, in the reverse 
order of the physiological development of the functions, and this 
is commonly the case with many drugs (see Law of Dissolution, 

P. 99)- 

Those who take bromides habitually find themselves unable to 

sleep without them, and their intellect becomes obscured. These 

bad effects are intensified by the fact that gradually larger doses 

are required to produce sleep, and thus the unfortunate sufferer 

becomes more and more a slave to the drug. [Also occasionally 

maniacal excitement, mental confusion and even delirium are 

observed after continued use of moderate doses, particularly of 

the potassium salt.] 

Therapeutics of the Bromides. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Formerly the back of the 
throat was painted with a solution of a bromide before a laryn- 
geal examination, but now cocaine is employed for this purpose. 

Nervous system. — Because of their depressing effect bromides 
are largely used for many nervous diseases. They are the most 
valuable drugs we have for the treatment of epilepsy, acting no 
doubt by diminishing the excitability of the cerebral cortex. 
They rarely cure, but often greatly diminish the number of fits. 
It is impossible to say in any given case whether bromides will 
do good, therefore they [should] be tried in all ; petit mat is more 
difficult to influence than grand mal. The next most common 
use of bromides is as hypnotics. They are most useful when there 
is no organic cause to explain the insomnia, and therefore they 
are not employed when pain keeps the patient awake, but are 
given with great benefit in the insomnia of overwork, worry, or 
that connected with the climacteric period. The sleep induced 



THE PREPARATIONS OF BROMINE. 241 

is quiet and refreshing, without dreams, and therefore these drugs 
are of great value in nightmare, and in the night-screaming of 
children, which may be regarded as allied to it. Also because of 
their depressant effect on the nervous system they are given in 
migraine, and often they are the only drugs which do any good 
for the intense headache of this disease. Large doses, often a 
drachm [4. gm.] at a time, are given in delirium tremens, espe- 
cially in combination with chloral hydrate, and sometimes the 
patient seems quieter for this treatment. Not only the insomnia, 
but the other nervous symptoms that are common at the climacteric 
period maybe relieved by bromides. For their depressing power 
on centres below the cortex they are used, and with good results, 
in laryngismus stridulus, and have been given in whooping-cough ; 
but the benefit is not marked. Some cases of tetanus have re- 
covered after enormous doses of bromides. Here their value is, 
no doubt ; due to their power of diminishing the reflex function 
of the spinal cord. Bromides have been given as antidotes for 
strychnine poisoning. Sometimes they succeed in cases of hys- 
teria and neuralgia. 

Sexual functions. — Because of its depressant effect potassium 
bromide is given for spermatorrhoea and nymphomania. 

8. ACIDUM HYDROBROMICUM D I LUTUM.— Diluted Hydro- 
bromic Acid. [A liquid compound of 10 per cent., by weight, of absolute 
Hydrobromic Acid (HBr = 8o.76) in water. 

Source. — Potassium Bromide, in solution, is mixed with Sulphuric Acid, 
and Potassium Sulphate allowed to crystallize, the precipitate is washed upon 
the filter and the filtrate is distilled nearly to dryness and then diluted to the 
proper strength. 2KBr+H 2 S0 4 =2HBr]+K 2 S0 4 . 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, having a strongly acid taste. 
Sp. gr., about 1. 07 7. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; [2. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Hydrobromic Acid. 
The action of this acid appears to be the same as that of the 
bromides of the alkaline metals, but it is very rarely used for the 
same purposes. It has been employed with occasional success to 
relieve noises in the ears, and it is said to prevent the symptoms 
of poisoning by quinine ; [of this drug it is an excellent solvent.] 

16 



242 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP X. 

Containing Sulphur [and its compounds], 

SULPHUR. 

S[=3L98.] 

Sulphur is official in [three] forms. 

i. SULPHUR SUBLIMATUM.— Sublimed Sulphur. Synonym.— 
Flowers of Sulphur. 

Source. — From Crude Sulphur by sublimation. 

Characters. — [A fine, yellow powder, having a slight, characteristic 
odor and a faintly acid taste.] 

Impurities. — Sulphurous and sulphuric acids, arsenic sulphide, and earthy 
matters. 

\_Sublimed Sulphur is used io make Potassa Sulphurata.] 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

2. SULPHUR PR^CIPITATUM.— Precipitated Sulphur. Syn- 
onyms. — Milk of Sulphur. [Lac Sulphuris.] 

Source. — Boil Sublimed Sulphur, 100; with Slaked Lime, 50 ; in water. 
^S 2 +3Ca(OH) 2 =2CaS 5 -f-CaS 2 3 4-3H 2 0. This gives a solution containing 
Calcium Sulphide and Calcium Hyposulphite. To it Hydrochloric Acid is 
added, and Sulphur is thrown down as a very fine precipitate. 2CaS 5 -f- 
4HCl=2CaCl 2 -f 4S 2 +2H 2 S. Wa?h and dry the precipitate. 

Characters. — [A fine, amorphous powder of a pale yellow color, with- 
out odor or taste.] 

Impurity. — Lime sulphate, which makes it gritty. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

[3. SULPHUR LOTUM.— Washed Sulphur. 

Source. — Sublimed Sulphur, 100; with water, 100; and Ammonia 
Water, 10 ; is digested, filtered, drained and dried. 

Characters. — A fine, yellow powder, without odor or taste. Solubility. 
— Insoluble in water. 

Impurities. — Acids, arsenous acid, and arsenous sulphide. 

Washed Sulphur is contained in Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus, and is 
used to make Sulphuris Iodidum. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Sulphuris. — Sulphur Ointment. Washed Sulphur, 
300; Benzoinated Lard, 700.] 



THE PREPARATIONS OF SULPHUR. 243 

Action of Sulphur. 

External. — Sulphur itself has no action on the skin, but 
some of it is converted into hydrogen [sulphide], and that is a 
mild vascular stimulant, causing slight dilatation of the vessels, 
and in some persons, eczema. It kills the Sarcofites \_scabiei\, 
and is therefore a parasiticide. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — It has no effect on the 
stomach, and most that is taken is passed out in the faeces unal- 
tered. A certain amount is, in the intestine, converted into 
hydrogen [sulphide] and other sulphides. These cause a mild 
laxative effect, increasing the secretion of intestinal juice, and 
slightly stimulating the muscular coat, producing soft semi-liquid 
stools, sometimes accompanied by flatus of hydrogen [sulphide], 
which, if in sufficient quantity, makes sulphur an undesirable 
laxative. 

Remote effects — Sulphur is absorbed as sulphides and hydro- 
gen [sulphide], which is a powerful poison, decomposing the 
blood, and thus producing symptoms of asphyxia. It also par- 
alyzes the whole nervous and muscular systems, but sulphur is 
never given to man in sufficient doses to produce any remote 
effects. Patients taking sulphur get rid of some minute portion 
of it as hydrogen [sulphide] through the kidneys, the milk, the 
lungs and skin. The breath occasionally smells of it, and silver 
ornaments next to the skin may be discolored. 

Therapeutics of Sulphur. 
External. — Sulphur is commonly used to kill the Sarcoptes 
\scabiei~], and thus to cure scabies. The skin should be well 
scrubbed with soft soap and hot water to lay open the burrows. 
Then it is thoroughly rubbed with the ointment. The patient 
should do this before bedtime, sleep in flannel, and wash the 
ointment off the next morning. This proceeding repeated three 
or four times will generally cure the disease. Sulphur ointment 
was formerly applied as a stimulant to ulcers, and was rubbed in 
for chronic rheumatism ; but these modes of treatment are now 
rarely used, and their value is doubtful. [Mineral waters con- 



244 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



taining sulphur and its salts are useful for chronic rheumatism, 
as, for example, those of Richfield Springs.] Mild sulphur pre- 
parations are applied for acne. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Sulphur is a very good laxa- 
tive, expecially for children ; as it produces a soft motion, but no 
pain, it is useful for cases of piles or fissure of the anus. [Washed] 
sulphur is contained in compound liquorice powder \_see Senna], 
which is an excellent and popular laxative. One or two sulphur 
lozenges [of the B. P., each containing 5 gr. [.30 gm.] of pre- 
cipitated sulphur and 1 gr. [.06 gm.] of acid potassium tartrate], 
taken at bedtime, often secure an easy evacuation of the bowels 
the next morning, in persons liable to slight constipation. These 
lozenges have been recommended for constipation associated 
with hepatic disease. 

Remote effects. — Sulphur has been administered internally for 
all sorts of skin diseases, generally without any good result, but 
occasionally chronic eczema associated with much itching appears 
to be benefited by it, so that the sulphur lozenge is a suitable lax- 
ative for these cases. Sulphur has been also given for bronchitis, 
for chronic rheumatism, and rheumatic myalgia, but it is very 
doubtful whether in these diseases there is much relief from this 
treatment. 

4. POTASSA SULPHURATA.— Sulphurated Potassa. Synonym. 
— Liver of Sulphur. A mixture consisting for the most part of Potassium 
Hyposulphite (K 2 S 2 3 ) and Sulphide (K 2 S 3 ). 

Source. — Heat in a crucible a mixture of [sublimed] Sulphur, 100; and 
[dried] Potassium Carbonate, 200. 3K 2 C0 3 +4S 2 =K 2 S 2 3 +2K 2 S 3 -f 3C0 2 . 

Characters. — [When freshly prepared it forms irregular pieces of a 
liver-brown color, which, by exposure to the air, gradually absorb moisture, 
Oxygen, and Carbon Dioxide, and change to a greenish-yellow and finally a 
gray mass, containing Potassium Carbonate, Hyposulphite and Sulphate. The 
compound has a faint odor of Hydrogen Sulphide, and a bitter, alkaline taste. 
Solubility. — In 2 parts of water.] 

5. CALX SULPHURATA.— Sulphurated Lime. [Synonym. — Crude 
Calcium Sulphide. A mixture containing at least 60 per cent, of Calcium 
Monosulphide (CaS = 7i.8o), together with unchanged Calcium Sulphate 
(CaS0 4 =i35.73), and Carbon, in varying proportions. 

Source. — Obtained by heating a mixture of Calcium Sulphate, 70; Char- 
coal, 10 ; and Starch, 2. 



THE PREPARATIONS OF SULPHUR. 245 

Characters. — A pale gray powder, exhaling a faint odor of Hydrogen 
Sulphide, having a nauseous, alkaline taste, and gradually decomposed by 
exposure to air. Solubility. — Very slightly in water; insoluble in alcohol.] 

Dose, t l to y 2 gr. ; [.006 to .03 gm.] 

6. SULPHURIS IODIDUM.— Sulphur Iodide. SI [=158.51. 

Source. — By heating washed Sulphur, 120; with Iodine, 80, to liquefac- 
tion ; when solid after cooling, reduce the fused mass to pieces. 

Characters. — Brittle masses of a crystalline fracture and a grayish or 
black, metallic lustre, having the odor of Iodine, and a somewhat acrid taste.] 
Solubility. — [Almost] insoluble in water. 

Dose, 1 to 4 gr. ; [.06 to .24 gm.] 

Action of Sulphurated Potash, Sulphurated Lime, and 
Sulphur Iodide. 

External. — These preparations are irritant, and are power- 
ful parasiticides for the Sarcoptes \scabiei.~\ 

Internal. — Nothing is known of their internal action. 

Therapeutics of Sulphurated Potash, Sulphurated Lime, 
and Sulphur Iodide. 

External. — The sulphurated potash ointment [B. P. — Sul- 
phurated potash, 5 ; hard paraffin, 18 ; soft paraffin, 55 ;] is often 
used [to cure scabies] in the same way as sulphur ointment. 
[These] drugs have been used for many chronic skin diseases ; 
but now they are not often employed. They appear, however, 
occasionally to do good in cases of acne indurata. Baths con- 
taining sulphides in solution are considered by many to be very 
useful for chronic rheumatic arthritis and rheumatic myalgia. 
The famous natural sulphide baths are those of Aix-la-Chapelle, 
Aix-les-Bains, and there are many others, which will be found 
described in works on general therapeutics ; but as in all of them 
the water is warm, and warm water is beneficial for chronic 
rheumatism, and the sulphides exist in innnitesimally small 
quantities, it is very probable that the benefit is due more to the 
heat of the water than to its constituents. 

Internal. — Sulphides have been given for chronic rheuma- 
tism, various skin diseases, and phthisis; but the evidence of 
good done is scanty. [Sulphurated lime has been given inter- 



246 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

nally in cases of suppuration, but it probably has no marked 
influence on the process.] 

7. CARBONEI DISULPHIDUM.— Carbon Disulphide. CS 2 =: 
75.93. Synonym. — Carbon Bisulphide. 

Source. — By combination of Carbon and Sulphur, by distillation. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless, highly refractive liquid, very diffusive, 
having a strong characteristic, but not fetid odor, and a sharp, aromatic taste. 
Solubility. — In 535 parts of water; very soluble in Alcohol, Ether, Chloro- 
form, fixed and volatile oils. Sp. gr., 1.268 to 1. 269. 

Uses of Carbon Disulphide. 

Carbon disulphide is used as a solvent. It is the best solvent 
for rubber and similar bodies. [It can be freed from its usual 
disgusting odor by repeated rectification.] 



GROUP XI 

Acids. 



Those acids which will be considered here may be divided into two 
classes. 

First, those which are strongly acid, the more powerfully acid being active 
caustics. They are Sulphuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric, Nitrohydrochloric, 
Phosphoric, Acetic, Tartaric, Citric and Lactic acids. [Hypophosphorous, 
Hydriodic and] Hydrobromic acids might be placed here, but they have 
already been considered [see pp. 226, 232 and 241]. 

Second, those which, although feebly acid, are powerfully antiseptic. 
They are Sulphurous and Boric acids. 

Diluted Hydrocyanic, Carbolic, Benzoic, Gallic, Tannic, Oleic and Sali- 
cylic acids are not used as acids, and will be considered under other headings. 

Arsenous Acid and Chromic Acid are not true acids ; 'they are Anhydrides, 
and have already been considered [see 211 and 221). 

Class I. 

1. ACIDUM SULPHURICUM.— [Sulphuric Acid. Synonym.— 
Oil of Vitriol. A liquid composed of not less than 92.5 per cent., by weight, of 
absolute Sulphuric Acid (H 2 S0 4 =97.82) and 7.5 per cent, of water.] 

Source. — Produced by the combustion of Sulphur or Iron Pyrites, and 
the oxidation and hydration of the resulting Sulphur Dioxide gas by means of 
nitrous and aqueous vapors. [2HN0 3 +2S0 2 +H 2 0=2H 2 S0 4 -f N 2 3 . N 2 O s 
-f 2S0 2 +0 2 +H 2 0=2S0 2 ,OHN0 2 . 2S0 2 ,OHN0 2 -}-H 2 0=2H 2 S0 4 +N 2 3 . 









THE ACIDS. 247 

Characters. — A colorless liquid of oily consistence and very caustic and 
corrosive. Sp. gr., not below 1. 835.] 

Impurities. — Nitric acid, lead, and arsenic. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, their carbonates, lead and calcium salts. 

Preparations. 

1. Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum.— [Diluted Sulphuric Acid. 
Sulphuric Acid, 100; distilled water, 825. Sp. gr., about 1.070. 
Contains 10 per cent., by weight, of absolute Sulphuric Acid.] 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. : [.60 to 2.00 c.c] 

2. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. — -[Aromatic Sulphuric 
Acid. Synonym. — Elixir of Vitrol. Sulphuric Acid, 100; Oil of Cin- 
namon, I ; Tincture of Ginger, 50 ; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity to 
make 1000. Sp. gr., about 0.939. Contains about 20 per cent, by 
weight of official Sulphuric Acid, partly in form of Ethyl-Sulphuric 
Acid.] 

Aromatic Sulphuric Acid is contained in Infusum Cinchona?. 
Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; [.30 to 1.00 c.c] 

2. ACIDUM NITRICUM.— Nitric Acid. [A liquid composed of 68 
per cent, by weight of absolute Nitric Acid (HN0 3 =62.89), and 32 per cent, 
of water.] 

Source. — Made from Potassium Nitrate by distilling with Sulphuric Acid. 
KNOyfH 2 S0 4 =KHSOvf HN0 3 . 

Characters. — A colorless, fuming [liquid, very caustic and corrosive, 
and having a peculiar, somewhat suffocating odor. Sp. gr., about 1. 414.] 

Impurities. — Sulphuric acid, nitre, and lower nitrogen oxides, giving 
ruddy fumes. 

Incompatibles. — Alcohol, alkalies, carbonates, oxides, iron sulphate, and 
lead acetate. 

[Nitric Acid is contained in Liquor Ferri Nitratis, Liquor Zinci Chloridi, 
and Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis. ] 

Preparations. 

1. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Nitric Acid. Nitric 
Acid, 100; distilled water, 580. Sp. gr., about 1.057. It contains 10 
per cent, by weight of absolute Nitric Acid.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c c] 

2. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum. — [Nitrohydrochloric Acid. 
Synonyms. — Nitromuriatic Acid. Aqua regia. Nitric Acid, 180 ; 
Hydrochloric Acid, 820.] 

3. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Nitro- 
hydrochloric Acid. Synonym.- Diluted Nitromuriatic Acid. Nitric 



248 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Acid, 40; Hydrochloric Acid, 180; distilled water, 780. Contains 
Free Chlorine, Hydrochloric, Nitric and Nitrous Acids, and other 
compounds dissolved in water.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c.c] 

3. ACIDUM HYDROCHLORICUM. [Hydrochloric Acid. Syn- 
onym, — Muriatic Acid. A liquid compound of 31.9 per cent., by weight, of 
Absolute Hydrochloric Acid (HC1=36.37) and 68.1 per cent, of water. 

Source. — The fumes produced by the action of Sulphuric Acid on 
Sodium Chloride are dissolved in water. 2NaCl -|- H 2 S0 4 = HCl-j-NaCl -j- 
NaHS0 4 and NaCl-hNaHS0 4 =HCl+Na 2 S0 4 . 

Characters. — A colorless, fuming liquid, of a pungent odor, of an 
intensely acid taste. Sp. gr., about I.163.] 

Incompatibles. — Lead and silver salts, alkalies and their carbonates. 

[Hydrochloric Acid is contained in Liquor Ferri Chloridi and Liquor 
Zinci Chloridi.] 

Preparations. 

1. Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Hydrochloric 
Acid. Synonym. — Diluted Muriatic Acid. Hydrochloric Acid, 100; 
distilled water, 219. Sp. gr., about 1.050. 

Diluted Hydrochloric Acid is contained in Liquor Acidi Arsenosi.] 
Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; .30 to 1.20 ex.] 

2. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum. — See Nitric Acid. 

3. Acidum Nitrohydrochloricum Dilutum. — See Nitric Acid. 



4. ACIDUM PHOSPHORICUM.— [Phosphoric Acid. A liquid 
composed of not less than 85 per cent., by weight, of absolute Orthophos- 
phoric Acid (H 3 P0 4 =97.8), in water. 

Source. — When Phosphorus is brought into contact with Nitric Acid, it 
is slowly oxydized and converted into Phosphoric Acid. P 3 -|-5HN0 3 +2H 2 
=3H 3 PCvf5NO. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, without odor, but having a strongly 
acid taste. Sp. gr., 1.347.] 

Impurities. — Calcium preparations, and sodium carbonate. 

[Phosphoric Acid is contained in Syrupus Quininse et Strychninoe Phos- 
phatum.] 

Preparation. 

Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum. — [Diluted Phosphoric Acid. 
Phosphoric Acid, 100 ; distilled water, 750. Sp. gr., about 1.057. It 
contains 10 per cent., by weight, of absolute Orthophosphoric Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2 00 c.c.] 



THE ACIDS. 249 

5. ACIDUM ACETICUM. — Acetic Acid. [A liquid composed of 36 
per cent., by weight of absolute Acetic Acid (HC 2 H 3 2 =59.86) and 64 per 
cent, of water. 

Source. — By distilling Sodium Acetate with Sulphuric Acid, NaC 2 H 3 2 -f- 
H 2 S0 4 =HC 2 H 3 2 +NaHS0 4 . The Acetic Acid distils out, and is obtained 
by crystallization. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, having a strong, vinegar-like 
odor, a purely acid taste, and a strongly acid reaction. Sp. gr., about 1 048.] 

Impurities. — Lead and copper, sulphuric, sulphurous and hydrochloric 
acids. 

[Acetic Acid is used to make the Aceta, and in several preparations.] 

Preparation. 

Acidum Aceticum Dilutum. — Diluted Acetic Acid. Acetic 
Acid, 100; distilled water, 500. Sp. gr., about 1.008. It contains 6 
per cent., by weight, of absolute Acetic Acid.] 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; [4. to 15. c.c.]. 

6. ACIDUM ACETICUM GLACIALE.— Glacial Acetic Acid. 

HC 2 H 3 2 [=59.8°. 

Source. — Distil dry Sodium Acetate with strong Sulphuric Acid. 
NaC 2 H 3 2 +H 2 S0 4 =HC 2 H 3 2 4-NaHS0 4 . ] 

Characters. — A [clear, colorless liquid, of a strong, vinegar-like odor, 
and a very pungent, purely acid taste. Sp. gr., not higher than 1.058, corres- 
ponding to at least 99 per cent, absolute Acetic Acid.] 

7. ACIDUM CITRICUM.— Citric Acid. H 3 C 6 H 5 7 -f H 2 0[=20 9 .5o.] 
Source. — Found in the fruits of the Lime [Citrus Bergamia) and Lemon 

{Citrus Limonum). Chalk is added to the boiling juice, usually lemon juice, 
2H 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 3 CaC0 3 = Ca 3 (C 6 H 5 7 ) 2 + 3 C0 2 + 3 H 2 0. The precipitated 
Calcium Citrate is boiled with Sulphuric Acid. After filtration and evapora- 
tion, Citric Acid crystallizes out. Ca 3 (C 6 H 5 7 ) 2 H-3H 2 S0 4 =2H 3 C 6 H 5 7 -f- 
3CaS0 4 . 

Characters. — Colorless, [translucent, right-rhombic prisms, having an 
agreeable, purely acid taste.] Citric Acid, like Tartaric Acid, is often used to 
produce an effervescing mixture with Ammonium, Sodium or Potassium Carbo- 
nates, the two solutions being mixed immediately before taking. Carbon 
Dioxide which causes the effervescence is formed thus: — 3KHCO3+ 
H 3 C 6 H 5 7 =K 3 C 6 H 5 7 + 3 C0 2 + 3 H 2 0. 

Incompatibles. — Potassium tartrate, alkaline carbonates, and acetates. 

Impurities. — Copper, lead, sulphuric and tartaric acids, and mineral 
matters. 

Free Citric Acid is contained in Limonis Succus. 

[Citric Acid is used to make Bismuthi Citras, Ferri et Quininae Citras, 



250 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Ferri et Quininse Citras Solubilis, Ferri et Strychninae Citras, Liquor Ferri 
Citratis, Liquor Magnesii Citratis, Liquor Potassii Citratis, Lithii Citras Effer- 
vescens, and Magnesii Citras Effervescens.] 
Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 



\_P reparation. 
Syrupus Acidi Citrici. — Syrup of Citric Acid, 
water, 10 ; Spirit of Lemon, 10; Syrup to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; 4. to 15. c.c] 



Citric Acid, 10; 



8. ACIDUMTARTARICUM.— Tartaric Acid. H 2 C 4 H 4 6 [=I49.64.] 
Source. — Boil Acid Potassium Tartrate with Calcium Carbonate. 2K 

HC 4 H 4 O e + CaC0 3 =: CaC 4 H,0 6 + K 2 C 4 H 4 6 + H 2 + C0 2 . Calcium 
Chloride is now added, which precipitates more Calcium Tartrate. K 2 C 4 H 4 6 
-f-CaCl 2= CaC 4 H 4 6 -|- 2 KCl. The Calcium Tartrate is finally decomposed 
with Sulphuric Acid. CaC 4 H 4 6 + H 2 S0 4 = H 2 C 4 H 4 6 +CaS0 4 . Then 
evaporate the fluid to the sp. gr. of 1.21. Separate the Calcium Sulphate 
crystals that form. Again evaporate, Tartaric Acid crystallizes out. 

Characters. — Colorless [translucent monoclinic prisms longer than 
those of Citric Acid, or crystalline crusts, or a white powder, having a purely 
acid taste. Solubility. — In 0.8 part of water; in 2.5 parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Potassium salts, calcium, mercury, lead, and vegetable 
astringents. 

Impurities. — Lead, oxalic acid, lime, and potassium tartrate. 

Dose, 8 to 30 gr. ; [.50 to 2.00 gm.] 

9. ACIDUM LACTICUM.— Lactic Acid. HC s H 6 Oj[=89.79. 

Source. — Usually obtained by subjecting milk-sugar or grape-sugar to 
lactic fermentation. It contains 75 per cent, by weight of absolute Lactic Acid, 
in aqueous solution. 

Characters. — A colorless syrupy liquid, of a purely acid taste, and ab- 
sorbing moisture on exposure to damp air. Sp. gr., about 1. 213. Solubility. — 
Freely miscible with water, Alcohol or Ether.] 

Impurities. — Mineral acids, sugar, lead, and iron. 

[Lactic Acid is used in Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis.] 

Action of Sulphuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric, Phosphoric, 
Acetic, Citric, Tartaric and Lactic Acids. 

External. — All these acids are powerful irritants when 
applied externally. The feeblest is citric. Its concentrated so- 
lution has no action on the sound skin, but is irritant to mucous 
membranes and abraded surfaces. Tartaric is stronger than 
citric acid ; it will act upon the unabraded skin, and applied to 



THE ACIDS. 251 

a sore it produces pain, a sensation of burning, and considerable 
vascular dilatation. The remaining acids are very powerful irri- 
tants, therefore even very dilute solutions of them may produce 
considerable redness and perhaps vesication, and when the solu- 
tion is strong they are very energetic caustics ; sulphuric and 
phosphoric acids, having a powerful affinity for water, are espe- 
cially active. Sulphuric acid leaves the carbon untouched, there- 
fore it blackens ; nitric stains the skin a deep yellow, it does not 
redissolve the albumin it precipitates, and it is consequently lim. 
ited in its area of action; nitrohydrochloric is very powerful ; 
hydrochloric is the least active of the mineral acids; glacial 
acetic acid is useful when a limited action is required. [Ricord's 
paste is composed of sulphuric acid and willow charcoal ; 
Michel's, of sulphuric acid and asbestos] All the stronger acids 
unite with and coagulate albumin ; hence weak solutions, not 
strong enough to form a slough, which by its separation may 
cause bleeding, will, by coagulating the blood and so plugging 
the vessels, and by coagulating the albumin in the tissues and so 
constricting the vessels, act as astringents and haemostatics. 
[Citric acid is added to tablets of corrosive mercuric chloride so 
that when these are dissolved in making solutions the antiseptic 
shall penetrate into the tissues. Tartaric acid is used for the 
same purpose.] Diluted solutions of acids are cooling to the 
flushed skin of fever, therefore they are called refrigerants. 

Internal. — Mouth. — All acids have a peculiar taste, and give 
rise to a feeling of roughness about the teeth. As the saliva is 
alkaline they increase the amount secreted, consequently 
by keeping the mouth moist they allay thirst. 

Stomach. — It is believed that, if given during a meal, acids 
will check the flow of gastric juice, as that is an acid secre- 
tion. When the amount of acid secreted by the gastric mucous 
membrane is deficient, acids taken, after a meal, when all that 
the stomach can secrete has been secreted, aid digestion. 

Intestine. — Acids quickly become converted into neutral salts, 
and are probably absorbed as such. Some, especially diluted 
sulphuric, preserve in the intestine their astringent action. 
They increase the amount of bile poured into the intestine, and 



252 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



are hence cholagogues ; this is especially the case with nitric 
acid. Nitre-hydrochloric acid is a very complex compound ; as 
far as is known it possesses the action of mineral acids generally. 
Re7?iote effects. — Acids may render the blood less alkaline, but 
never acid. They do this by combining with some of the alkali 
of the plasma. Phosphoric acid is believed to increase the 
amount of phosphates in the red blood-corpuscles The admin- 
istration of hydrochloric acid will increase the number of red 
corpuscles in chlorosis, but it does not alter the amount of haemo- 
globin. It is probable that in their passage through the liver they 
check the formation of urea. The reason for this belief is that 
all these acids, except citric, acetic, tartaric and lactic, are ex- 
creted in the urine chiefly as ammoniacal salts. Nitric acid is 
stated to be excreted to a small extent as ammonia, and hence 
slightly to increase the alkalinity of the urine. Acetic, citric 
and tartaric acids are decomposed in the blood, alkaline carbon- 
ates being formed, and the alkalinity of the urine is increased. 
This has already been discussed (see p. 122). Lactic acid is 
either converted intc a [alkaline] carbonate, or passed out as 
carbon [dioxide] in solution in the urine. 

Therapeutics of Sulphuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric, Phos- 
phoric, Acetic, Citric, Tartaric and Lactic Acids. 

External. — Nitric acid is more often used as a caustic than 
the others, for, owing to their great affinity for water, it is diffi- 
cult to limit the action of sulphuric and phosphoric acids ; and 
the remaining acids are not so powerful as nitric acid. It is em- 
ployed to destroy warts, condylomata, unhealthy phagedenic 
sores, cancrum oris, etc. [Nitric acid is used as Heller's test 
for determining the presence of albumin in the urine. At present 
his process is reversed, /. e., the urine is added to the acid.] 
Glacial acetic acid is used for small warts and corns. If this 
causes pain it may be diluted. Very dilute solutions are rarely 
employed for their irritant effects, but at some bathing establish- 
ments acid baths are used, but it is not proved that they do any 
good. Any well -diluted acid, especially sulphuric, may be ap- 
plied to check slight bleeding, as that of leech-bites, piles, etc. 



THE ACIDS. 253 

Vinegar can always be obtained ; even this should be diluted. 
In fever the skin is often bathed with vinegar as a refrigerant, 
and very dilute sulphuric acid is used as a local astringent in the 
sweating of phthisis. 

Internal. — Mouth. — As acids damage the teeth they should 
be taken through a glass tube. Lemon juice or citric acid itself 
is often used to stimulate the secretion of saliva, and hence allay 
the thirst of fever patients. Lemonade is a favorite drink for 
this purpose. Lactic acid has been strongly recommended to 
dissolve the membrane in diphtheria, but there is no evidence 
that this treatment benefits the patient. Equal parts of lactic 
acid and water may be applied with a mop, or a spray of a 
strength of [i to 8] of water may be employed. Very dilute 
nitric acid has been used for the same purpose. Lactic acid is 
applied [more frequently than any other drug] with a brush in 
tuberculosis of the larynx, and in some cases with good results. 
It is usual to begin with lactic acid, 2 ; water, 1 ; and glycerin, 1. 
The strength of the solution is increased till at last lactic acid 
alone is used. Other accessible tuberculous ulcers — as those of 
the tongue and skin — may be treated in the same way. 

Stomach and Intestines.— Hydrochloric, and to a less extent 
nitrohydrochloric acid is of the greatest value in that variety of 
dyspepsia in which the acidity of the gastric juice is deficient. 
They should, as already explained, be given some little while 
after a meal A very useful stomach mixture consists of diluted 
nitrohydrochloric acid combined with tincture of nux vomica, 
and some other stomachic, as compound tincture of gentian. 
Lactic acid has been used for the same purpose. Acids will 
often alleviate that form of indigestion in which the patient 
complains of acid eructations and heartburn. For this purpose 
they should be given during a meal or before it. They then 
check the excessive secretion of acid and restrain fermentation. 
An acid mixture sometimes benefits the indigestion of pregnancy, 
and small doses of hydrochloric acid may be prescribed during 
typhoid and other fevers, because the secretion of this acid is 
much diminished when the temperature is raised. Vinegar is 
often drunk to reduce obesity, but it only does so because a 



254 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



long course of any acid will set up a mild gastritis, and thus 
hinder the digestion and absorption of food. Carbonic acid, 
taken as an effervescing mixture, is a common and very effica- 
cious gastric sedative, beneficial, therefore, in painful dyspepsia 
and in vomiting. Diluted sulphuric acid may be used as a 
haemostatic in bleeding from the stomach or intestines, but its 
action is feeble. It is, however, successful as an astringent in 
many cases of summer diarrhoea. Nitric and nitrohydrochloric 
acids, increasing the amount of bile poured into the intestines, 
are given, and sometimes with much benefit, when it is consid- 
ered that dyspepsia is due to disordered function of the liver. 

Remote effects. — The remote effects of citric, tartaric, and 
acetic acids have already been described {see p. 122). They are 
due to the increase in the alkalinity of the blood and the urine. 
Phosphoric acid is often given to weak, sickly, anaemic children 
with the view of improving the quality of the red blood-corpus- 
cles, and possibly aiding the growth of bones, but it has not been 
proved to have any great value. The same may be said of the 
vegetable acids when employed for scurvy, and of lactic and 
phosphoric acids when given for diabetes ; indeed, the latter is 
said to do harm. [There is probably no doubt as to the value of 
lime and lemon juice in the treatment of scurvy.] Lime juice was 
formerly a popular remedy for acute rheumatism, but it did little 
if any good. Sulphuric acid is by some said to be anhidrotic in 
the night-sweating of phthisis, and had some reputation as a re- 
mote haemostatic, but it is rarely given now for these purposes. 
Rohrig found that acids diminished the tracheal secretion, and 
some physicians find that they diminish the secretions in bron- 
chitis. We thus see that the remote effects of all acids, except 
citric, tartaric, and acetic, are unimportant. 



Toxicology. 

All these acids are severe gastrointestinal irritants when given in toxic 
doses. Tartaric, citric, and lactic are very rarely taken as poisons. 

Symptoms. — These are severe burning pain extending from the mouth 
to the stomach, excoriation of the mouth with the formation of sloughs, 
great difficulty in swallowing, vomiting of dark-brown, coffee-colored mate- 
rial and shreds of mucus, intense abdominal pain aggravated by the slight- 



THE ACIDS. 255 

est movement, generally obstinate constipation, but if the bowels are open the 
motions are dark, from the blood contained in them. Some of the acid gene- 
rally passes down to the larynx, and causes swelling of that organ and conse- 
quently dyspnoea from obstruction to respiration. The patient becomes cold, 
collapsed and covered with a cold sweat ; his pulse is very feeble, and he 
surfers from great thirst. Post-mortem. — The mucous membrane of the mouth 
and oesophagus is softened and corroded, and whitish-gray sloughs and haem- 
orrhages may be seen here and there. The coats of the stomach are softened. 
It is often contracted, and it may be perforated, the aperture being irregular. 
If the acid escapes into the peritoneal cavity, it may act on almost any of the 
abdominal organs. Should the patient have lived long enough, there may be 
corrosion and inflammation of parts of the small intestine. The mucous mem- 
brane of the throat and larynx is inflamed and swollen. 

Treatment. — Alkalies should be given at once, e.g., soap and water, 
lime water, magnesia, washing soda ; and then demulcents, as milk, white of 
egg, oil, linseed tea. Do not use the stomach tube if sulphuric acid has been 
taken, otherwise wash out the stomach. Morphine may be injected subcutane- 
ously for the pain, and brandy given subcutaneously for the collapse. 

Class II. 

i. ACIDUM SULPHUROSUM.— Sulphurous Acid. [A liquid 
composed of not less than 6.4 per cent, by weight of Sulphurous Acid Gas 
(Sulphur Dioxide, S0 2 =63.9), an( l not more tnan 93-6 per cent, of water. 

Source. — Sulphuric Acid, 80; is heated with Charcoal, 20; and the 
resulting Sulphur Dioxide is dissolved in water. 4H 2 S0 4 -f-C 2 =4S0 2 -(-2C0 2 
+4H 2 0. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid of the characteristic odor of burning 
Sulphur, and of a very acid, sulphurous taste. Sp. gr., not less than 1. 035.] 

Impurities.— Sulphuric acid, and mineral matters. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr.; [2. to 8. c. c] 

Action of Sulphurous Acid. 

External. — Sulphurous acid is strongly deoxidizing, and as 
it takes up oxygen so easily from organic bodies, it readily de- 
composes them, becoming itself converted into sulphuric acid, 
and hence is irritant, but not violently so, for the amount of 
sulphuric acid in proportion to the water is slight. It is a dis- 
infectant and deodorant ; for in virtue of its property of 
absorbing oxygen, it destroys micro-organisms and arrests fer- 
mentation. When applied to the skin it is a parasiticide. 

Internal. — It is believed to act as a disinfectant in the 



256 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



stomach and intestine, but it is very doubtful whether enough of 
it to have any appreciable action in this direction can be safely 
taken. 

Therapeutics of Sulphurous Acid. 

External. — Sulphurous acid is chiefly used as an antiseptic, 
disinfectant, and deodorant. Sulphur [dioxide] is employed as 
a disinfectant for a sick-room after a patient with an infectious 
disease has been in it. The chimneys and windows should be 
stopped up. A quarter to half a pound [120. to 240. gm.] or 
more of flowers of sulphur [or better, one or two sulphur candles, 
now to be found in pharmacies], are placed in an earthenware 
vessel and lighted, the door is shut, and the cracks around it 
pasted over. The room should be left untouched for six hours. 
Generally not enough sulphur is burned for this method to be 
efficacious. Sulphurous acid [1 to 4] in water is locally applied 
to cure ringworm. Foul sores may be washed with it. 

Internal. — Sulphurous acid is sometimes given internally 
with the object of preventing abnormal fermentation in the 
stomach and intestines in certain varieties of dyspepsia, but there 
is no clinical proof that it can do this, and it should be remem- 
bered that it is possible it may do harm by impeding the action 
of the normal ferments. 

2. ACIDUM BORICUM.— Boric Acid. H 3 B0 3 [=6i.78. Synonym. 
— Boracic Acid. 

Source. — Native from Northern Tuscany, or made by the action of 
Hydrochloric acid on Borax by nitration and re crystallization. Na 2 B 4 7 -\- 
2HCl+ioH 2 0=4H 3 B0 3 +2NaCl+5H 2 0. 

Characters. — Transparent, colorless scales, of a somewhat pearly lustre, 
or, when in perfect crystals, six-sided triclinic plates, slightly unctuous to the 
touch, having a faintly bitterish taste. Solubility — In 256 parts of water; in 
10 of Glycerin ; in 15 of Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1 00 gm. 

Preparation. 
Glyceritum Boroglycerini. — Glycerite of Boroglycerin. Syno- 
nyms. — Glycerite of Glyceryl Borate. Solution of Boroglyceride. 
Boric Acid, 310; Glycerin to 1000.] 

3. SODII BORAS.— Sodium [Borate. Na^O,-}- ioH 2 = 380.72. 
Synonym. — Borax. 



THE ACIDS. 257 

Source. — Native, as a saline incrustation on the shores of certain lakes 
and as a crystalline deposit at the bottom of the Borax lake of California, or 
by boiling together Boric Acid and Sodium Carbonate and crystallization. 
4H 3 B0 3 +Na 2 C0 3 =Na 2 B 4 7 +C0 2 +6H 2 0. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a white 
powder, having a sweetish alkaline taste. Solubility. — In 1 6 parts] of water; 
in i of Glycerin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action of Boric Acid and Borax. 

External. — Both boric acid and borax have the power of de- 
stroying micro-organisms and are thus disinfectant and anti- 
septic, but their exact value has not been satisfactorily deter- 
mined. The action is extremely local. Solutions of boric acid 
will relieve itching. Neither substance produces any irritation. 

Internal. — Borax and boric acid check the action of saliva 
on starch, but, if anything, they increase the action of the gastric 
juice and the pancreatic secretion. Large amounts, however, 
slightly retard digestion, and still larger are gastro-intestinal 
irritants. Boric acid is rapidly eliminated in the urine, it is said 
to increase the urea and the quantity of urine. Large doses 
[increase] the acidity of this fluid. It is also execreted in the 
saliva, sweat, and faeces, and it is stated in rare cases to cause 
abortion. In exceptional instances where large quantities have 
been applied to raw surfaces or mucous membranes, reduction of 
temperature, depression of spirits, feeble pulse, ecchymoses and 
vomiting have supervened. 

Therapeutics of Boric Acid and Borax. 
As they do not irritate, both these substances are largely used 
to keep wounds, ulcers, and sores sweet. The action is so local 
that they cannot be used to dress cavities. Boric lint is em- 
ployed to dress wounds. It is made by passing lint through a 
hot saturated solution of boric acid. Boric cotton is made the 
same way. Lister's boric acid ointment consists of boric acid, 1 ; 
white wax, 1 ; paraffin, 2 ; almond oil, 2 parts. A saturated solu- 
tion of boric acid (4 per cent.), [or the glyceritum boroglycerini 
in water] may be used as an antiseptic wash. Such solutions are used 
for ozaena, vaginitis, urethritis, and ophthalmia. Colitis is often 
* 17 



258 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



benefited by washing out the large bowel with a quart [960 c.c] of 
a saturated solution of boric acid ; sometimes tannic acid is added, 
Lister's ointment, or an ointment of boroglyceride, [glycerin, 
92 ; boric acid, 62 ; by heating], may be used for pruritus, sunburn, 
etc. Powdered boric acid blown into the ear is very useful in 
foetid discharges from it. Thompson's fluid (borax, 1 ; glycerin, 
2 ; water, 2), in the proportion of 1 to 8 of warm water, is com- 
monly employed to wash out the bladder in cystitis. [One of 
the most important antiseptic solutions is that of Thiersch. This 
consists of boric acid, 12; salicylic acid, 2; water, 1000]. The 
glycerin [of the B. P., which is, borax, 1 ; water, 2; glycerin, 
4;] and the honey of borax, [of the B. P., which is, borax, 2; 
glycerin, 1; clarified honey, 16;] are excellent applications for 
aphthous states of the mouth, especially in children. The 
following is a good wash for the mouth : Glycerin of borax, [see 
above] 6 ; tincture of myrrh, 1 ; water to 48. 

Borax has been given in epilepsy, and its .use is gaining 
ground. It is often prescribed with advantage in combination 
with bromides, but it is decidedly inferior to them, although in 
exceptional cases it may succeed when they have failed. As it is 
an antiseptic it has been given internally in typhoid fever and 
phthisis, but with doubtful benefit. Taken internally it is said to 
relieve irritability of the bladder. In rare cases its use has 
caused either psoriasis, a papular eruption especially marked near 
the elbows, an erythematous rash, or eczema. Nausea, loss of 
appetite, vomiting, and diarrhoea may be produced. It has no 
effect on the intelligence. The taste is best covered with syrup 
of orange peel. 

Boric acid is not employed internally in medicine, [except- 
ing for correcting the fcetor of fermentative dyspepsia and in 
ammoniacal cystitis, where it is also used in solution for irriga- 
tion of the bladder.] 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 259 

GROUP XII. 

CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 

Class I.— [Drugs which Act Mechanically. 

Carbon, Petrolatum and Benzin. 

This class includes carbon in its three official forms, and the hydrocarbons.] 

I. CARBO. 

C[=n.97.] 

1. CARBO ANIMALIS. — Animal Charcoal. Synonym. — Bone-black. 
Source. — Expose bones, [deprived of fat, in iron cylinders,] to red heat 

without access of air, and then powder them. 

Characters. — [Dull, black, granular fragments or a dull black powder, 
nearly tasteless.] Solubility. — Insoluble in water or Alcohol. 

2. CARBO ANIMALIS PURIFICATUS.— Purified Animal Char- 
coal. 

Source. — Digest Animal Charcoal, [ioo; with Hydrochloric Acid, 300, 
and a sufficient quantity of water. Filter, wash and heat the residue to red- 
ness in a closed crucible. 

Characters. — A dull black powder, odorless, tasteless, and insoluble in 
water or Alcohol.] It should contain no salts. 

Dose, 20 to 60 gr.; [1.20 to 4.00 gm.] ; ]/ 2 oz. [15. gm.] or more as 
an antidote. 

3. CARBO LIGNI. — [Charcoal]. — Synonym. —Wood Charcoal. 
Source. — Wood charred without access of air. 

Characters. — [A black, odorless, and tasteless powder, free from gritty 
matter.] 

Dose, 20 to 60 gr. ; [1.20 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action of Charcoal. 

External. — Dry charcoal absorbs gases and condenses them 
within its pores. It thus absorbs oxygen, and hence has an 
oxidizing power, parting with the absorbed oxygen to oxidize 
organic and other substances. Therefore it is deodorant. It 
attracts and oxidizes coloring matters, and consequently decolor- 
izes them. 

Internal. — It has no known internal action, for it can only 



260 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

absorb gases when dry, and it is quickly wetted when taken inter- 
nally. It is passed in the faeces unchanged. 

Therapeutics of Charcoal. 

External. — Charcoal has been recommended as an antiseptic 
and deodorant for foul ulcers, etc., but it is of very little use, for 
the discharge soon moistens it. For the same reason the poultice 
[of the B. P. : charcoal, i ; flaxseed meal, 3; bread crumb, 4; 
boiling water, 20], although some of the charcoal is put on dry, is 
a bad preparation. Charcoal is used in pharmacy as a decoloriz- 
ing agent. 

Internal. — It has been given as a powder, as lozenges, and 

as biscuits, with the object of preventing fermentation in the 

stomach, but it cannot be any use after it is wetted. Garrod has 

shown that a table-spoonful or larger doses of charcoal frequently 

repeated, are antidotes against most active vegetable poisons, as 

opium, nux vomica, and aconite, for charcoal seems to have a 

special attraction for alkaloids. Animal charcoal is the best form 

to give as an antidote. Charcoal is used as a tooth powder [but 

it should not be recommended because it abrades the enamel of 

the teeth]. 

[II. PETROLATUM. 

1. PETROLATUM LIQUIDUM. Liquid Petrolatum. 
Source— A mixture of Hydrocarbons, chiefly of the Marsh gas series, 

obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from Petroleum, 
and purifying the residue when it has the desired consistence. 

Characters. — A colorless, or more or less yellowish, oily, transparent 
liquid, without odor or taste, or giving off, when heated, a faint odor of Petro- 
leum. Sp. gr., about 0.875 to 0.945. Solubility . — Insoluble in water; 
scarcely soluble in cold or hot alcohol, or in cold Absolute Alcohol; but solu- 
ble in boiling Absolute Alcohol, and readily soluble in Ether, Chloroform, 
Carbon Disulphide, Oil of Turpentine, Benzin, Benzol, and fixed or volatile oils. 

2. PETROLATUM MOLLE.— Soft Petrolatum. Synonym. — Soft 
Petroleum Ointment. 

Source. — A mixture of Hydrocarbons, chiefly of the Marsh-gas series, 
obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from Petroleum, 
and purifying the residue when it has the desired melting point. 

When Petrolatum is prescribed or ordered without further specification, 
Soft Petrolatum (Petrolatum Molle) is to be dispensed. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 261 

Characters. — A fat-like mass, of about the consistence of an ointment, 
varying from white to yellowish or yellow, more or less fluorescent when 
yellow, especially after being melted, transparent in thin layers, completely 
amorphous, and without odor or taste, or giving off, when heated, a faint odor 
of Petroleum. If a portion of Soft Petrolatum be liquefied, and brought to a 
temperature of 140 F. ; 6o° C., it will have a specific gravity of about 0.820 
to 0.840. The melting point of Soft Petrolatum ranges between about 104 
and 113 F. ; 40 and 45 C. 

3. PETROLATUM SPISSUM. — Hard Petrolatum. Synonym.— 
Hard Petroleum Ointment. 

Source. — A mixture of Hydrocarbons, chiefly of the Marsh-gas series, 
obtained by distilling off the lighter and more volatile portions from Petroleum, 
and purifying the residue when it has the desired melting point. 

Characters. — A fat-like mass, of about the consistence of a cerate, 
varying from white to yellowish, or yellow, more or less fluorescent when yel- 
low, especially after being melted, transparent in thin layers, completely amor- 
phous, and without odor or taste, or giving off, when heated, a faint odor of 
Petroleum. If a portion of Hard Petrolatum be liquefied, and brought to a 
temperature of 142 F. ; 61. 1° C., it will have a specific gravity of about 
0.820 to 0.850. The melting point of Hard Petrolatum ranges between about 
II3 and 125 F. ; 45 and 51.3 C. 

Impurities. — Fixed oils, fats of animal or vegetable origin, resin, and 
organic impurities. 

Action and Uses of Petrolatum. 

Petrolatum is used exclusively as a bland, neutral protective, 
and, because it does not become rancid nor act as an irritant, as a 
substitute for fatty materials in ointments. As it is absorbed 
with difficulty it is not a good vehicle for the absorption of drugs 
by the skin. Liquid petrolatum has been used as a local sooth- 
ing application in inflammation of the mucous membrane of the 
nose, throat, larynx and even of the bronchial tubes. It is then 
applied with an atomizer and may be employed as a vehicle for 
medicinal substances. None of the petroleums are nutritive.] 

III. BENZINUM. 

BENZfN. — Synonyms. — Petroleum Benzin. Petroleum Ether. A puri- 
fied distillate from American Petroleum, consisting of hydrocarbons, chiefly of 
the Marsh-gas series (C 5 H 12 , C 6 H 14 , and homologous compounds). 

Characters. — -A transparent, colorless, diffusive liquid, of a strong, char- 
acteristic odor, slightly resembling that of Petroleum, but much less disagree- 



262 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

able, and having a neutral reaction. Sp. gr., 0.670 to 0.675. Solubility. — 
Insoluble in water; soluble in about 6 parts of Alcohol, and readily soluble in 
Ether, Chloroform, Benzol, fixed and volatile oils. 

Uses of Benzin. 

Benzin is used to obtain volatile oils by percolation, as a sub- 
stitute for ether in making oleoresins, for dissolving fats, resins, 
caoutchouc and some of the alkaloids.] 

Class II. — The Anaesthetics. 
Alcohol, Chloroform, Ether, and Acetic Ether. 

These substances produce local anaethesia by evaporation. They are 
rubefacient if their vapor is confined. The stomach, heart and central nervous 
system are first stimulated and then depressed by them. [Amylic Alcohol, (B. P.) 
Ethyl Bromide, Bromoform and Pental, none of which are official, are consid- 
ered in this class.] 

I. ALCOHOL. 
[Ethyl Alcohol. C 2 H 5 OH=45. 9 . 
Alcohol is official in the eight following forms :] * 

1. ALCOHOL. — [A liquid composed of about 91 per cent, by weight, 
or 94 per cent., by volume, of Ethyl Alcohol, and about 9 per cent., by 
weight, of water. Synonyms. — Ethylic Alcohol. Spirit of Wine. 

Source. — Macerate rectified spirit with Anhydrous Potassium Carbonate 
to remove the water, then again with freshly fused Calcium Chloride, and distil. 

Characters. — [A transparent, colorless, mobile and volatile liquid of a 
characteristic, rather agreeable odor, and a burning taste. Sp. gr. about 0.820. 
Boils at 1 7 2.4 F. ; 7 8° C] Entirely volatilized. 

Impurities. — Resins or oils, detected by turbidity on dilution. 

Alcohol is used to make Chloroform. 

[Preparation. 

Alcohol Dilutum. — Diluted Alcohol. Synonym. — Proof Spirit. 
A liquid composed of about 41 per cent., by weight, or about 48.6 per 
cent., by volume, of absolute Ethyl Alcohol, and about 59 per cent, of 
water. Alcohol, 500; distilled Waterloo. 

Characters. — The same as those of Alcohol. Sp. gr. about 
0.938. 

2. ALCOHOL ABSOLUTUM.— Absolute Alcohol. Ethyl Alcohol, 
containing not more than I per cent., by weight, of water. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 263 

SOURCE. — By percolation of the strongest and purest Alcohol through 
recently burned lime, out of contact with the air, then redistil the percolate 
in vacuo. 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless, mobile, and volatile liquid, of a 
characteristic, rather agreeable odor, and a burning taste. Very hygroscopic. 
Sp. gr. not higher than 0.797. 

3. ALCOHOL DEODORATUM.- Deodorized Alcohol. A liquid 
composed of about 92.5 per cent., by weight, or 95.1 per cent., by volume, of 
Ethyl Alcohol, and about 7.5 per cent. , by weight, of water. 

Source. — The foreign odors may be removed by distilling the Alcohol 
over about 2 per cent, of pure, fused Sodium Acetate. 

Characters. — As of Absolute Alcohol. Sp. gr. about 0.816.] 

4. SPIRITUS VINI GALLICI.— Brandy. 

[Source. — An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the fer- 
mented, unmodified juice of fresh grapes, and at least four years old. 

Characters. — A pale, amber-colored liquid having a distinctive odor 
and taste, and a slightly acid reaction. Contains 39 to 47 per cent., by weight, 
of Alcohol, together with a volatile oil and several Ethers. Sp. gr. 0.925 to 
0.941, which limits it should not exceed. 

Dose, indefinite. 

5. SPIRITUS FRUMENTI.— Whiskey. 

Source. — An alcoholic liquid obtained by the distillation of the mash of 
fermented grain (usually a mixture of corn, wheat and rye), and at least two 
years old. 

Characters. — An amber-colored liquid, having a distinctive taste, and 
odor, and a slightly acid reaction. Contains 44 to 50 per cent., by weight, of 
Absolute Alcohol. Sp. gr. 0.917 to 0.930, which limits it should not exceed. 

Dose, indefinite. 

6. VINUM ALBUM.— White Wine. 

Source. — An alcoholic liquid, made by fermenting the juice of fresh 
grapes, the fruit of Vitis Vinifera (nat. ord. Vitacece), freed from seeds, stems 
and skins. 

Characters. — A pale, amber-colored, or straw-colored liquid, having a 
pleasant odor, free from yeastiness, and a fruity, agreeable, slightly spirituous 
taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity. Contains between 10 and 14 
per cent., by weight, of Absolute Alcohol. Sp. gr. 0.990 to 1.010, which 
limits it should not exceed. 

7. VINUM RUBRUM.- Red Wine. 

Source. — An alcoholic liquid, made by fermenting the juice of fresh 
colored grapes, the fruit of Vitis Vinifera (nat. ord. Vitacece), in presence of 
their skins. 



264 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Characters. — A deep red liquid, having a pleasant odor, free from 
yeastiness, and a fruity, moderately astringent, pleasant, and slightly acidulous 
taste, without excessive sweetness or acidity. Contains io to 14 per cent., by 
weight, of Absolute Alcohol. Sp. gr. 0.989 to 1.010, which limits it should 
not exceed.] 

Amount of Absolute Alcohol by Weight in Various I??ifiortant Substances. 

[Alcohol Absolutum contains 99 to 100] per cent. 

Alcohol Ethylicum [B. P.] . . . " 98 to 99 

[Alcohol Deodoratum " 92.5] 

Alcohol " 91 

Spiritus Rectificatus [B. P.] . . " 84 

Spiritus Tenuior [B. P.] .... " 49 

[Spiritus Frumenti " 44 to 50] 

Rum, Gin, Strong Liqueurs ... " 40 to 50 

Spiritus Vini Gallici " 39 to 47 

Alcohol Dilutum " 41 

Vinutn Album Fortius (U. S. P., 

1880) " 20 to 25 

Port , . " 15 to 25 

Sherry [or] Madeira " 15 to 20 

Champagne " 10 to 13 

Burgundy " 10 to 13 

Hock " 10 to 12 

Vinum Album " 10 to 14 

[Vinum Rubrum " 10 to 14] 

Vinum Aurantii [B. P.] .... " 10 to 12 

Claret " 8 to 12 

Cider . " 5 to 9 

Strong Ale or Stout li 5 to 9 

Beer [or] Porter " 2 to 5 

[Kumyss] " I to 3 



Action of Alcohol. 

External. — It is a powerful disinfectant. If applied to 
the skin, alcohol quickly evaporates. It therefore cools the skin, 
which consequently becomes pale from the contraction of the 
small vessels ; owing to this less sweat is secreted. Alcohol is 
thus refrigerant, astringent and anhidrotic. But if evaporation 
is prevented in any way, such as by a watch-glass or a piece of 
gutta-percha, or the alcohol is rubbed in, it quickly absorbs water 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 265 

from the skin, and thus hardens it. Having thus passed through 
the epidermis, it dilates the vessels, causes a feeling of warmth, 
and produces a rubefacient effect. It has the power of coagu- 
lating albumin, but the coagulum quickly re-dissolves. It ex- 
tracts water from all tissues. 

Internal. — Mouth. — When concentrated, alcohol produces a 
feeling of warmth, or often even a burning sensation, in the 
mouth. If held there for some time, the albumin of the super- 
ficial tissues is coagulated, and the mucous membrane becomes 
whitish, congested, and opaque ; but this appearance soon disap- 
pears, as the coagulum is re-dissolved by the fluids of the tissues. 
Directly [after] the alcohol is put in the mouth there is an increased 
flow of saliva, and the pulse may be quickened; these results are 
reflex, for they occur before there is time for the alcohol to be 
absorbed. Alcohol has a slight local anaesthetic effect. 

Stomach. — Here also, if the alcohol'is sufficiently concen- 
trated, there is a sensation of warmth or even of burning If 
only small quantities are given, the gastric vessels dilate, the 
mucous membrane becomes red, and there is an increased secre- 
tion of gastric juice. All this [has been] seen to happen in cases 
of gastric fistula. The result of these effects is that the appetite 
is sharpened, and this explains the custom, common among many 
people, of taking a little alcohol immediately before meals, and 
also the common experience that alcohol taken during meals aids 
digestion. It also increases the activity of the gastric move- 
ments and promotes absorption. Thus there are several ways in 
which moderate doses of alcohol may help the digestive 
process, and Binz has actually demonstrated, by removing the 
gastric contents at stated times after a meal, that alcohol aids 
digestion, and by giving potassium iodide he showed that it in- 
creased the rapidity of absorption. In some cases it produces a 
local anaesthesia in the stomach, and so it may relieve gastric 
pain. It is to a slight extent decomposed into aldehyde and 
acetic acid, and consequently some of the pepsin, peptones, and 
proteids are precipitated. This hinders digestion, but usually 
not sufficiently to outdo the aid due to the vascular dilatation, 
the increased secretion, and the greater movement. The effect 



2(jG INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

of large doses is very harmful. The activity of the gastric 
juice is destroyed, the gastric walls are inflamed, large quantities 
of mucus are poured out, and if the over-indulgence is continued 
chronic gastritis ensues, the gastric glands atrophy, and conse- 
quently we get the permanent dyspepsia of drunkards. 

A single dose of alcohol introduced into the stomach in a 
concentrated form, e. g., [clear] brandy, immediately produces 
important reflex effects. The heart beats more rapidly and 
more forcibly, the vessels of the whole body dilate, especially 
those ot the skin ; hence there is a feeling of warmth. The 
blood-pressure rises. These reflex effects are well seen in the 
immediate restoration of a fainting person by the ingestion of a 
single dose of brandy. Diluted alcohol, e. g., beer, does not 
produce them. They are quickly followed by the effects of 
alcohol upon the circulation due to its presence in the blood 
after absorption. 

Intestines. — Here alcohol has a slight astringent effect, and 
consequently it may check diarrhoea. 

Blood. — Alcohol is absorbed more largely by the blood-vessels 
than the lacteals. It first increases and then dimininishes the 
amoeboid movements of the white blood-corpuscles. It so acts 
on the red corpuscles as to prevent oxyhemoglobin from readily 
yielding up its oxygen, consequently it diminishes the oxida- 
tion of the tissues. This, in habitual drinkers of large quan- 
tities of alcohol, may lead to an imperfect combustion of fat, 
consequently it accumulates in the tissues, and obesity, which 
is often increased by the amount of saccharine matters alcoholic 
liquids contain, results. The skin acquires a velvety feeling. 

Alcohol is slightly antipyretic, lowering the temperature in 
fever. This is chiefly due to cutaneous vascular dilatation and 
rapidity of circulation, but also slightly, perhaps, to general dimin- 
ished oxidation. A litre, [about a quart] of Rhine wine of average 
strength produces by its oxidation about as much heat as five or six 
tablespoonfuls [ioo. to 120. c.c] of olive oil. Neither the intake 
of oxygen nor the output of carbon [dioxide] is altered by alcohol, 
therefore as it has been oxidized in the body it saves the tissues 
and is a food. Repeated observations have shown the proof of 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 267 

this, for moderate doses of alcohol diminish the output of urea 
and uric acid, 6 or 7 per cent. ; and that it is a food is also proved 
by the fact that the weight of the body may be maintained if a 
large amount of alcohol is taken, even if the rest of the food is 
very small in amount. [Alcohol ceases to be a food when it is 
ingested in such large amounts that it can not be completely oxid- 
ized. In this instance the excess is likely to be harmful.] 

If only moderate doses are drunk, very little alcohol leaves 
the body in the urine ; with large doses the case is different. 

Circulation. — The effects upon the circulation reflexly pro- 
duced by stimulation of the mouth and stomach have already 
been mentioned. After alcohol is absorbed it influences the 
heart markedly. It beats more powerfully and more 
rapidly, the pulse becomes fuller ; these results are due to the 
peripheral arterial dilatation and to a stimulating effect on the 
accelerator nerves. The vaso-motor system is acted upon, all the 
vessels of the body dilate, especially those of the skin; 
therefore, if he previously felt cold, the person who has taken the 
alcohol feels warm. The blood-pressure rises, the increased 
action of the heart more than compensating for the vascular dila- 
tation. The direct effects of alcohol on the circulation after 
absorption appear more slowly and last longer ; but they are 
clearly similar to those due to the reflex stimulus from the stomach, 
and therefore they continue them. The result of the increased 
circulation through the various organs is that they work to greater 
advantage, hence the mental faculties are brightened for a time, 
the muscular strength seems increased, more urine is passed, and 
the skin perspires. The person who has taken the alcohol, in 
fact, usually feels generally better for it. This is by no means 
always so ; some persons have a headache or feel very sleepy 
immediately after alcohol. This is probably because the vessels 
of the abdomen or skin have dilated so excessively that almost 
all the blood in the body is in them, and consequently there is 
very little in the brain. There are many individual peculiarities 
in the effects of alcohol. 

It has been repeatedly proved that these good results are but 
transitory. The heart, although at first stimulated, is more 



268 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

exhausted after the stimulation has passed off than it was 

before. This is also true of all the organs of the body stimulated 
by the increased circulation induced by alcohol. In many cam- 
paigns and arctic expeditions it has been found that although at 
first the men, after taking alcohol, could do more work, yet soon 
they felt so tired and exhausted, that on the whole they could do 
much more without than with the alcohol. Large doses of 
alcohol do not stimulate the heart at all ; they paralyze it, both 
reflexly from the stomach and after absorption. Enormous doses 
poured into the stomach kill almost immediately by reflex action. 
A drunkard who is "dead drunk" is, accurately speaking, one 
who is killed by the paralyzing effect of alcohol on the heart ; but 
the phrase is often applied to any one who is very drunk. 

Skin. — Alcohol is a mild diaphoretic, partly because of its 
vaso-dilator action, and perhaps also because of some direct in- 
fluence on the sweat-glands. As just mentioned, the cutaneous 
vascular dilatation leads to a feeling of warmth if the patient's 
cutaneous vessels were previously contracted from cold. Jt may 
be that part of the antipyretic power of alcohol is due to in- 
creased radiation from the dilated vessels, and also to evaporation 
of the increased amount of sweat. If a person is in a cold atmos- 
phere, alcohol, by increasing the radiation from the skin, leads 
to the loss of so much heat that he may die from cold, although 
at first the increased cutaneous circulation, making him feel 
warmer, gives him a delusive feeling of warmth. 

Kidneys. — But little alcohol is [excreted] in the urine, still less 
by the lungs and skin, and none in the milk. Most of it is oxidized 
in the body. It acts as a diuretic ; probably this is a secondary 
result of its vascular effects. ^ 

Nervous system. — Unless the dose be very large the whole 
nervous system is stimulated, perhaps to a slight extent directly, 
but chiefly as a secondary result of the mascular dilatation and 
cardiac stimulation. The highest functions are most affected. 
The person who has taken the alcohol talks more fluently and 
brilliantly, his wits are sharpened, he has a feeling of strength. 
If the dose has been large, the stage of exaltation of these or any 
other functions quickly passes into one of depression, the highest 






CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 269 

functions being affected first, and the stimulation and depression 
of function proceed regularly from the highest to the lowest. The 
action of alcohol thus illustrates both the fact that stimulation is 
usually succeeded by depression, and also the "law of dissolu- 
sion," which {see p. 99) states that functions which have ap- 
peared latest in the animal series or the individual are the most 
easy to influence, those which have appeared earlier are less easy 
to influence ; and so by regular sequence till we arrive at those 
functions which are first developed, which are the last to be in- 
fluenced. The stimulation and subsequent depression of func- 
tion, therefore, proceeds in a descending scale from the highest 
or least firmly fixed function to the lowest or most firmly fixed. 
Thus the power of judgment is abolished very early by alcohol ; 
this is so while the imagination, the emotions, and the power of 
speech still remain stimulated ; but soon the power of imagination 
goes, the patient loses all command over his emotions, he cries 
and laughs irregularly, but this soon stops. He next begins to 
lose control over his speech, talking incoherently and thickly ; 
shortly afterwards he cannot talk at all, but can only make a noise. 
Muscular movements, which are not so highly developed as those 
of speech, are next affected ; delicate, lately developed move- 
ments, as writing, feeding himself, etc., are for a time performed 
inco-ordinately, but soon they are paralyzed. Next the muscular 
movements, developed before these, are implicated, and the patient 
cannot undress himself or walk straight, and inco ordination of 
these movements passes into the inability to do them at all. Next 
the activity of the reflex centres of the cord is abolished, the 
patient passes his urine and fseces [involuntarily]. Then the 
respiratory centre, which was previously stimulated, becomes 
paralyzed, breathing is difficult, and the face is livid. Lastly, the 
heart, which was also at first stimulated, is paralyzed, and the 
patient dies. The depression of the reflex centers of the cord 
accounts for the fact that injuries which would kill a sober man 
do not kill a drunken one, for the heart and respiration, owing 
to the general central depression, are not affected reflexly by 
them. 



270 inorganic materia medica. 

Therapeutics of Alcohol. 

External. — Four parts of alcohol to one of water form the 
Lotio Spiritus of many pharmacopoeias. [Cotton] or lint dipped 
in it are applied to sprained joints, bruises, etc. The alcohol 
evaporates, cools the part, consequently the vessels contract, and 
inflammation may thus be checked. At the same time the local 
anaesthetic effect of the cold relieves the pain. In a similar way 
many varieties of headache may be soothed by bathing the fore- 
head with eau de Cologne. Brandy or some other form of 
alcohol is often used to bathe the skin in order so harden it, by 
abstraction of water, and thus prevents the formation of bed sores 
or cracked nipples. Spirit lotions dabbed on the skin may, by 
means of the* vascular contraction produced, stop sweating. 
Aljohol rubbed in, as in the use of Linimentum [Saponis], is 
cfmmonly employed for its rubefacient effect, to aid the absorp- 
tion of inflammatory products and relieve pain, as in chronic 
rheumatism, myalgia, etc. 

Internal. — Mouth. — A little brandy held in the mouth will 
be a local anaesthetic and relieve toothache. Alcohol is used as 
a gargle of port wine for its power of precipitating albumin and 
acting as an astringent in cases of chronic sore throat, excessive 
salivation, or inflammation of the gums. 

Stomach. — Because it increases the secretion of gastric juice, 
the vascularity and the movements of the stomach, alcohol aids 
digestion. It must only be taken in small quantities, for large 
amounts paralyze the secretion and cause gastritis, and ultimately 
lead to atrophy of the gastric glands. It should be given just 
before or during a meal. It is harmful in acute dyspepsia, but 
for the indigestion of the aged and feeble, or for those who are 
thoroughly exhausted by overwork, it is very valuable, as the 
stomach shares in the general exhaustion. It is also useful be- 
cause it increases the appetite. Owing to its anaesthetic property 
it may relieve painful dyspepsia, and may check vomiting, 
especially if taken with carbon [dioxide], as, for example, in 
the form of champagne or brandy and soda-water, and because it 
increases the activity of the gastric movements it may relieve 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 271 

flatulence. A single dose of strong spirits poured into the stomach 
is often employed with great benefit for its reflex stimulant effects 
on the circulation for those who have fainted, or who are col- 
lapsed from cold or any other cause. 

Intestines. — Brandy and water will often check diarrhoea. 
Perhaps this is owing to the astringent power of the brandy. 

Fever. — Alcohol has been largely used in all sorts of febrile 
conditions. We have seen that it impairs oxidation by its action 
on the red corpuscles, that it is oxidized and is therefore a food, 
and that it is mildly antipyretic and diaphoretic. These results 
would be beneficial in fever. On the other hand, the accelera- 
tion of the pulse would be distinctly harmful, although it must 
be remembered that very often, for some unexplained reason, 
alcohol lowers the pulse in fever ; the indigestion caused by the 
taking of large quantities, and the liability to depression of the 
respiratory and cardiac centers, would be very undesirable. The 
best rules are that while alcohol may be given, often with im- 
mense advantage in fever, either to aid digestion, to slow the 
pulse, as a cardiac stimulant if the patient be much collapsed, or 
to produce sleep 3 yet it may, in any of the ways alluded to, do 
harm. Therefore, when it is being used, the effect must be care- 
fully watched, and if the pulse becomes quick and feeble, or, as 
indicating gastric irritation, the tongue becomes dry and brown, 
or the skin becomes hot and dry, or the breathing hurried, or the 
patient suffers from insomnia, the alcohol should be stopped. On 
the other hand, if the pulse becomes stronger and slower, the 
tongue and skin moist, the breathing tranquil, and the patient 
sleeps well, the drug is doing good, and may be continued. We 
have so many more powerful diaphoretics and antipyretics that 
alcohol is not often given for these purposes. Of all fevers it is 
most used for acute lobar pneumonia, and, speaking generally, 
it is most likely to be valuable when our object is to keep up the 
patient's strength for a few days only, till the termination of a 
specific fever of short duration; but it is often given when it is 
quite unnecessary. 

Nervous system. — Alcohol may, as just mentioned, be used as 
a soporific in fever. Many persons who suffer from insomnia 



272 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

find that they can sleep better for a glass of whiskey and water 
just before going to bed, no doubt because of its depressant 
action upon the highest centres. 

Kidneys and skin. — Alcohol is occasionally given as a diuretic. 
Gin is the best form, because it usually contains some juniper, 
which is also diuretic. Although but little alcohol is excreted by 
the kidneys, it seems to be particularly irritant to the urethra in 
cases of gonorrhoea and gleet, and some authorities consider that 
chronic Bright's disease may be induced by alcohol. Almost the 
only use made of its diaphoretic effect is as a help to cure a cold 
in the head, for which purpose a strong glass of spirits and water 
may be taken immediately before going to bed. 

Toxicology. 

Large doses of Alcohol will produce death, either instantly by reflex stop- 
page of the heart, or later by cardiac and respiratory depression after absorp- 
tion. 

Chronic poisoning causes so many diseases that it is really the part of a 
text book upon medicine to enumerate them. Very often confirmed drunk- 
ards, particularly if they take much spirits, are very thin ; this is probably due 
to the fact that strong spirits cause such marked indigestion that sufficient 
nourishing food is not absorbed. Other drunkards are fat, especially if they 
drink beer. Chronic gastritis, cirrhosis of the liver, gout, peripheral neuritis, 
delirium tremens, mania, and perhaps chronic Bright's disease, may all be 
directly due to excessive indulgence in alcohol. It renders patients particu- 
larly liable to phthisis, and makes them bad subjects for withstanding any 
severe illness, especially pneumonia, or to undergo severe surgical operations. 

II. ALCOHOL AMYLICUM. 

AMYLIC ALCOHOL. [B. P., Not official.]— C 5 H n OH[=87.8i.] 
Synonym. — Fusel Oil. 

Source. — Separated during the rectification of crude spirit and redistilled 
at from 250 to 260 F.; [121. i° to 126. 6° C] 

Characters. — A colorless, very inflammable, oily liquid, with a peculiar 
odor. Sp. gr., 0.818. 

Amy He Alcohol is used to make Amyl Nitrite. 

[Uses of Amylic Alcohol. 
Fusel oil is a poison, and is not used in medicine. The manu- 
facturers of cinchona alkaloids employ it as a solvent ; formerly 
it was required for the preparation of valerianic acid.] 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 273 

III. CHLOROFORMUM. 

:i 19.08. A liquid consisting of 99 to 
99.4 per cent., by weight of absolute Chloroform, and I to 0.6 per cent, of Alco- 
hol. Synonym. — Chloroformum Purificatum.] 

Source. — Heat water and Alcohol in a still to ioo° F. [37.7 C], then 
add Chlorinated Lime ; [Chloroform distils over. It is believed that reaction 
takes place as follows : On bringing together Alcohol and Chlorinated Lime, 
the Chlorine converts the former into Chloral, which is at once decomposed 
by the Calcium Hydroxide, yielding Chloroform and Calcium Formate 
(Ca(CH0 2 ) 2 ). The Calcium Formate is decomposed by another portion of 
Chlorinated Lime into Calcium Carbonate and Chloride, and water. 2C 2 H 5 OH 
+ ioCaOCl 2 = 2CHC1 3 + 7CaC] 2 -f-2CaCG 3 + Ca(OH) 2 -f 4H 2 0. In late 
years a Chloroform quite free from Chlorinated bye-products has been 
obtained from the distillation of Acetone (from destructive distillation of Cal- 
cium Acetate) and Chlorinated Lime, from which Chloroform is produced, 
together with Calcium Acetate, Hydroxide and Chloride. 2(C 3 H 6 0)-(- 
6(CaOCl 2 )=2(CHCl 3 )4-Ca(C 2 H 3 2 ) 2 +2Ca(OH) 2 +3CaCl 2 ]. 

Characters. — A heavy, clear, colorless, [mobile and very diffusible 
liquid of a characteristic, ethereal odor, and a burning sweet taste. Sp. gr., 
not below 1.490. It imparts a green color to flame. Solubility. — In 200 parts 
of water, in which it sinks in heavy drops.] 

Impurities. — Hydrocarbons, shown by darkening with sulphuric acid, 
non-volatile compounds, shown by not completely evaporating, and by un- 
pleasant odor, acids, and free chlorine. 

[Purification. — Chloroform which fails to respond to tests of the Phar- 
macopoeia should be purified by the following process: Chloroform, 400; Sul- 
phuric Acid, 80; Dried Sodium Carbonate, 20 gm. ; Deodorized Alcohol, 4 
c.c. Add the Sulphuric Acid to the Chloroform, contained in a glass-stop- 
pered bottle, and shake them together occasionally during twenty-four hours, 
avoiding exposure to bright daylight. Separate the lighter Chloroform layer ; 
add to it the Dried Sodium Carbonate, previously rendered anhydrous by 
heating it in a porcelain capsule on a sand-bath until it ceases to give off 
aqueous vapor, and shake them together frequently and thoroughly during half 
an hour. Then transfer the Chloroform to a dry retort, add to it the Alcohol, 
and distil, by means of a water-bath, at a temperature not exceeding 153 F. ; 
67. 2 C, into a well-cooled, tared receiver, until the distillate measures 
255 c.c] 

Dose, 2 to 20 m. ; [.12 to 1.20 c.c] 

Preparations. 
I. Aqua Chloroformi. — [Chloroform Water. Chloroform and 
distilled water, by agitation, there being always an excess of Chloroform 
present. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 
18 



274 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Linimentum Chloroformi. — [Chloroform Liniment. Chloro- 
form, 300 ; Soap Liniment, 700.] 

[3. Emulsum Chloroformi.— Emulsion of Chloroform. Chloro- 
form, 40; Expressed Oil of Almond, 60; Tragacanth, 15; water to 
1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

4. Spiritus Chloroformi. — [Spirit of Chloroform. Synonym. — 
Chloric Ether. Chloroform, 60; Alcohol, 940. Strength. — 6 per 
cent. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

5. — Tinctura Chloroformi et Morphinse, [B. I\, not official. 
Tincture of Chloroform and Morphine.] — A close imitation of the pro- 
prietary medicine called Chlorodyne. (A) Dissolve Morphine Hy- 
drochlorate 8 gr., [.50 gm.] and Oil of Peppermint 4 minims [.25 
c.c], in Alcohol, 1 [fl.] bz. ; [30. c.c] ; add Chloroform, I [fl.] oz. ; 
[30. c.c], and Ether, 2 [fl.] dr. ; [8 c.c]. Mix Fluid Extract 
of Liquorice, I [fl.] oz. ; [30. c.c] ; Treacle, 1 [fl.] oz. ; [30. c.c.]; 
and Syrup, 3 [fl.] oz. ; [90. c.c]. Mix these solutions and add Diluted 
Hydrocyanic Acid, ^ [fl.] oz. ; [15. c.c], and increase the bulk to 8 
[fl.] oz. ; [240. c.c] by adding syrup. 

Strength. — 10 m. [.60 c.c] contains chloroform 1^ m. [.075 
c. c], ether, y^ m. [.02 c.c], morphine ■£% gr., [.0012 gm.], diluted 
hydrocyanic acid f& m. [.04 c.c] 

Dose, 5 to 10 m. ; # [.3o to .60 c.c] 

Action of Chloroform. 

External. — Chloroform in many respects acts like alcohol; 
but it is more powerful. Thus if allowed to evaporate on the 
skin it produces cold ; therefore the vessels at the point of appli- 
cation contract, and at the same time local anaesthesia is 
induced. If the vapor be confined, or if chloroform be rubbed 
into the skin, it acts as an irritant. The vessels dilate, the part 
becomes red, and there is a sense of heat. This rubefacient effect 
may pass on to vesication. [Chloroform is an excellent anti- 
septic to preserve urine during transportation. Three drops, 
.20 c.c, to 4 oz., 120. c.c, of urine is sufficient. Allow the 
chloroform to evaporate before testing the urine.] 

Internal. — Mouth — If concentrated, it produces irritation 
and a burning sensation. If diluted, it has a sweetish taste, 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 275 

which renders Aqua Chloroformi a valuable vehicle for the admin- 
istration of nauseous drugs. It reflexly gives rise to an increased 
secretion of saliva, and is a local anaesthetic. 

Stomach. — The action of chloroform is very like that of 
alcohol. Large doses cause marked gastro-intestinal irritation. 
Small doses produce a feeling of warmth, dilatation of the gastric 
vessels, and increased secretion of gastric juice, and more regular 
and more powerful gastric movements. It is perhaps slightly- 
astringent to the intestines. 

Absorption. — It is absorbed into the blood from the stomach 
and intestines, and, if given as vapor, from the lungs; but it is 
very uncertain what changes it subsequently undergoes. Pro- 
bably most of it is decomposed, but some is certainly eliminated 
in the breath and some in the urine, and it has been stated that 
it may be found in the blood of those who have been poisoned 
by it. 

Temperature. — The internal temperature falls about i° F. 
[0,5° C] after the administration of chloroform. 

Nervous system. — Chloroform is an excellent instance of the 
law of dissolution {see p. 99), and also of the well-known fact 
that drugs which, in small doses, stimulate any part, in large 
doses often depress it. The phenomena resulting from the in- 
halation of chloroform are commonly divided into three stages. 

First stage. — This is, at first, one of general stimulation, the 
highest functions being the most stimulated, usually unevenly, so 
that the patient is somewhat incoherent. The imagination is 
momentarily excited, and he experiences a general feeling of 
warmth and comfort spreading over the entire body. The mind, 
from the irregular excitation, is confused. Sight and hearing are 
stimulated, he experiences sensations of light and hears noises. 
The stimulation of all these higher functions is very transitory, 
and he quickly begins to lose consciousness ; he may be aware 
that people around him are talking without knowing what they 
are saying, but soon he hears and sees nothing. Sometimes dur- 
ing the early part of this stage he may laugh or cry. The inabil- 
ity to see and hear is quickly followed by considerable blunting 
of general sensation. At the same time that these higher func- 



276 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



tions are being depressed the lower motor functions are excited ; 
he will kick and fight, throwing his arms and legs about, so that 
much strength may be required to hold him down, and he will 
shout and talk incoherent nonsense very loudly. Almost coinci- 
dently the stimulation of the lower centers sets in ; the pulse is 
increased in frequency, and there is throbbing of the heart and 
great vessels. The first inhalation or two may produce a choking 
sensation and a stoppage of breathing, which is often voluntary ; 
but soon the respirations are increased in frequency. The blood- 
pressure at first rises a little, and the face may be flushed. The 
pupils usually dilate. 

Second stage.— This is best called that of depression. Some 
authors call it the stage of excitement, because the excitation of 
the motor centres may be continued into it. It is important to 
remember that there is no sharp boundary line between the various 
stages, they pass insensibly into one another. In .this stage the 
depression of the highest functions continues, so that the patient 
becomes completely unconscious, and he appears to be in a deep 
sleep. He sees, hears and feels nothing, hence chloroform is 
called a general anaesthetic. The excitement of the motor 
functions passes into depression, and he ceases to shout and strug- 
gle. Some of the reflex centres are depressed, so that when the 
cornea is touched the eye does not shut. The pupil is contracted. 
The stimulation of the cardiac and respiratory apparatus gives way 
to depression, the pulse and respiration become less frequent and 
less strong. The vaso-motor centre is depressed, blood-pressure 
falls As he cannot feel pain, and the reflex activity is so lowered 
that the heart will not be reflexly inhibited by the shock of an 
operation, this is the period at which to operate safely. 

Third stage. — In this there is a total abolition of reflex excit- 
ability. Even the lowest reflex centres of the cord are depressed, 
so that the patient may pass his urine and faeces [involuntarily] ; 
all muscular tone is abolished, and consequently the muscles are 
quite flaccid. Some of them, as those of the arm, were probably 
in this condition towards the end of the second stage. The 
pupil is widely dilated, probably because of the commencing 
asphyxia. This is the period to which the administration is 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 277 

pushed to facilitate the reduction of dislocations, or to enable 
the abdominal viscera to be felt through the abdominal wall. If 
still more chloroform is given the depression of the cardiac, respi- 
ratory and vaso-motor centres continues, the pulse becomes feeble 
and irregular, and the heart finally stops in diastole. At last not 
only its central nervous apparatus, but its muscular tissue is 
depressed, so that it will not respond to mechanical stimulation. 
The respiratory movements become slight and irregular, with 
very long pauses between them, and as a result the patient is more 
or less asphyxiated. The blood-pressure gradually falls to zero. 
There has been much dispute as to whether chloroform kills by 
the heart or the respiration. The Commission appointed by the 
Nizam of Hyderabad reported that it killed by depression of the 
respiratory centre, that respiration always failed before the heart, 
and that the fall of blood-pressure was not due to any effect on 
the heart. But their results have been disputed, and it has been 
shown that the fall of blood-pressure is mainly due to a weaken- 
ing effect on the heart. [In the United States it has been 
generally believed that death is from depression of the heart ] 

The recovery from chloroform also illustrates the law of dis- 
solution. The lowest functions, such as muscular tone, are the 
first to reappear ; but the patient does not usually regain his 
mental equilibrium for hours. 

With the exception of its local action on the skin and ali- 
mentary canal, and its last effect on the cardiac muscle, chloro- 
form acts entirely on the central nervous system, and this action 
is not the result of any effect on the blood, for chloroform 
narcotizes infusoria. The peripheral nerves are not affected, un- 
less it be just before death. 

Vomiting is very liable to occur during the administration of 
chloroform, and its advent is often made known by pallor and 
wide dilatation of the previously contracted pupil. Immediately 
before death the pupil may be either dilated or contracted. 

Therapeutics of Chloroform. 
External. — Chloroform is employed in the form of the 
liniment to produce rubefacient and irritant effects in cases of 
chronic rheumatism, myalgia and chronic inflammations. 



278 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Internal. — It may be used as a local anaesthetic for tooth- 
ache, the tooth being plugged with a piece of cotton soaked in 
chloroform. It disguises the taste of nauseous medicines, and 
therefore Aqua Chloroformi is a very common vehicle and Spiritus 
Chloroformi is much used as a flavoring agent. In the stomach 
it acts like alcohol, and is given in the same varieties of dyspepsia 
as are benefited by that drug. Small doses may be used as a 
cardiac stimulant. 

Inhalation. — It is inhaled to abolish sensations of pain, 
whether from surgical operations, biliary, renal and intestinal 
colic, or parturition. In the last case [but little] need be given. 
It is also inhaled to relax muscular spasm, as in the reduction of 
dislocations or herniae, or for the relaxation of muscles for diag- 
nostic purposes, as, for example, when we wish to feel the abdom- 
inal viscera thoroughly, or to [ascertain] whether a swelling is a 
phantom tumor ; or, lastly, it is inhaled to relax spasm in cases 
of tetanus, hydrophobia, or other varieties of convulsions. The 
A. C. E. mixture, which consists of alcohol, i, chloroform, 2, 
and pure ether, 3 vols., is very commonly employed for all these 
purposes. 

The following points should be attended to in the administra- 
tion of chloroform : 

[1. The ansesthetizer must be skilled, and give his attention 
exclusively to the production and maintenance of narcosis.] 

2. The respiration and pulse should be carefully watched for 
any signs of failure. 

3. The operation should never be begun till reflex action is 
profoundly depressed, that is to say, till the stage of muscular 
relaxation has commenced. Many patients have been lost from 
neglect of this precaution, for the stimulus of the knife has 
reflexly stopped the heart. It is a common and dangerous error 
to think that, because the operation is trivial, it may be begun 
early ; most of the deaths from chloroform have taken place when 
the operation has been slight. 

4. Great care must be exercised if the heart is fatty or feeble 
from any cause, or if the patient suffer from disease of the lungs, 
or if he may be very old. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 279 

5. In operations about the mouth care must be taken to see 
that no blood gets down the trachea. 

6. It is desirable to have the stomach empty, therefore no 
solid food should be given for some hours before the administra- 
tion. The patient's head must be so directed during vomiting 
that no vomited matter can get into the larynx. 

7. False teeth should be taken out of the mouth. 

8. The chloroform must be pure. 

9. It should not be too concentrated. About 5 per cent, of 
chloroform to 95 per cent, of air is a good mixture. 

10. The head should be a little raised, and the lower jaw held 
up so that the tongue shall not fall back over the larynx. 

1 1 . Special care must be taken when the operation necessi- 
tates awkward positions, especially if respiration is interfered with, 
as in the lateral position used in obstetrical, [gynaecological] and 
renal cases. 

[12. Chloroform should never be administered without an 
hypodermatic syringe, in good order, being at hand. Amyl 
nitrite, ether and ammonia should be in readiness.] 

If the breathing becomes very weak, or stops altogether, arti- 
ficial respiration should at once be commenced, the tongue being 
pulled forward by forceps to allow free entry of air to the lungs. 
The face and abdomen should be flicked with wet towels, a cap- 
sule of amyl nitrite may be inhaled, and ether or brandy injected 
subcutaneously. It is [extremely questionable] whether galvani- 
zation over the cardiac area is any use ; it [doubtless] does harm. 
[If symptoms of improvement do not appear at once, the patient 
should be inverted.] Artificial respiration should be maintained 
at least an hour or so, even if there is no sign of returning life ; 
and if there is the slightest evidence of a cardiac beat, or a single 
automatic respiratory movement, artificial respiration must be 
persevered in even for many hours. If the face be pale, the head 
should be lowered, and amyl nitrite is especially likely to be 
useful. [In spite of all care in administration and the observance 
of all precautions, one death takes place in about three thousand 
administrations. Hare and Thornton, after a painstaking series 
of experiments, believe chloroform to be safe for the majority of 



280 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



cases, provided it be given by one skilled in its use, and who not 
only knows how to give it, but to detect signs of danger. The 
respiration should be watched, because so soon as enough chloro- 
form is used to endanger the circulation, the respiration will show 
some abnormality. Death in the healthy animal is always due to 
respiratory failure, accompanied by circulatory depression which 
may be severe enough to cause death, even if artificial respiration 
be skillfully used. Chloroform may be chosen in hot climates; 
when a large number of persons are to be anaesthetized; in 
Bright's disease; in aneurism; or in great atheroma of blood- 
vessels ; in children or adults who already have bronchitis ; and 
in persons who struggle violently.] 

IV. /ETHER. 

ETHER.— [(C 2 H 5 ) 2 0=73. 84. Synonyms.— Sulphuric Ether. Ethylic 
Ether. Ethyl Oxide. A liquid composed of about 96 per cent, by weight of 
absolute Ether, and about 4 per cent, of Alcohol containing a little water.] 

Source. — Alcohol is distilled with Sulphuric Acid. Ethyl Sulphuric 
(Sulphovinic) Acid and water are first formed. C 2 H 5 OH+H 2 S0 4 =C 2 H 5 HS0 4 
-|-C 2 H 5 OH=(C 2 H 5 ) 2 0-)-H 2 S0 4 . This process is theoretically continuous, the 
Sulphuric Acid last formed again acting on fresh Alcohol as it is supplied. 
The Ether is freed from water by redistillation with Calcium Chloride and 
Lime. 

Characters. — [A transparent, colorless, mobile liquid, having a charac- 
teristic odor, and a burning and sweetish taste. It is very inflammable, boils at 
about 98.6 F. ; 37 . C, and burns with a white flame. Sp. gr. 0.725 to 0.728. 
Solubility. — In about 10 volumes of water.] 

Impurities. — Water, alcohol and fixed impurities. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m.; [.30 to 4.00 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Spiritus iEtheris. — [Spirit of Ether. Ether, 325 ; Alcohol, 675. 

Dose, X to * A- dr -' r - to 4- c - c -] 

[2. Oleum ^thereum. — Ethereal Oil. A volatile liquid com- 
posed of equal volumes of heavy Oil of Wine and Ether. Alcohol, 
1000; Sulphuric Acid, 1000 : distilled water, 25 ; Ether, a sufficient 
quantity; by distillation. 

Characters. — A transparent, nearly colorless, volatile liquid, of 
a peculiar, aromatic, ethereal odor, a pungent, refreshing, bitterish taste, 
and a neutral reaction. Sp. gr. 0.910. 

Ethereal Oil is used to prepare Spiritus zEtheris Compositus.] 






CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 281 

3. Spiritus Athens Compositus. [Compound Spirit of Ether.] 
Synonym. — Hoffman's Anodyne. [Ether, 325 ; Alcohol, 650; Ethereal 
Oil, 25. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m.; .30 to 4.00 c.c] 

Action of Ether. 

External. — Ether evaporates very quickly, producing great 
cold, and consequently the part to which it has been applied 
becomes white from the contraction of the vessels. The cold is 
sufficient to cause such marked local anaesthesia that the pain 
of slight operations, performed upon the part anaesthetized, can- 
not be felt. To produce this result ether is best applied as a fine 
spray. If it be rubbed in, or evaporation be prevented, it, like 
alcohol or chloroform, is an irritant. 

Internal. — In the mouth and stomach also it acts like chlo- 
roform or alcohol. Thus ether causes a burning taste in the 
mouth, an increase of the saliva, of the gastric secretion and gas- 
tric movements, and dilatation of the vessels of the stomach. Con- 
sequently it is carminative and aids digestion. Directly [after] it 
reaches the stomach it reflexly excites the heart, increasing the 
force and frequency of the pulse, and causing a rise of blood- 
pressure; it is one of the best cardiac stimulants we have. 
In the same way it excites respiration. It is quickly absorbed, 
and its stimulating influence on the heart and respiration is 
continued. It is thus a good instance of a rapidly diffusible 
stimulant. It is also anti-spasmodic. 

Nervous system. — Ether is a powerful general anaesthetic. 
The phenomena and stages of ether anaesthesia are so like those 
of chloroform anaesthesia that the description already given {see 
p. 275) will suffice. The following differences, however, should 
be noticed : 

(1) The heart is paralyzed with much greater difficulty by 
ether than by chloroform. 

(2) The same is true of the vaso-motor centre. 

(3) And also of the respiratory centre. 

(4) Ether is much more irritant to the respiratory mucous 
membrane, and hence is more liable to increase bronchitis in 
those already suffering from it. 



282 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



(5) [Ether is much more likely to irritate the kidneys, and 
those suffering from the various forms of acute or chronic renal 
disease, or even from renal insufficiency, should be subjected to 
ether anaesthesia only when it is administered with the greatest 
caution.] 

(6) With ether the stage of stimulation is more protracted, 
therefore there is more struggling. 

(7) Ether must be given nearly pure, about 30 per cent, of air 
to 70 of ethereal vapor ; hence it is more difficult to administer. 

(8) The smell of ether is more disagreeable, and lingers about 
the patient longer. 

(9) Ether being very inflammable cannot be used in the close 
neighborhood of an artificial light. 

[Ether is more generally used as an anaesthetic in the United 
States.] 

Therapeutics of Ether. 

External. — Ether, allowed to evaporate, may be used to 
cause local anaesthesia in cases of neuralgia. An ether spray is 
occasionally employed to produce local anaesthesia for small 
operations, but as the ether makes the skin hard and brawny the 
operation must be quite superficial, and even then there is much 
subsequent tingling and pain. 

Internal. — Stomach. — It may be used for the same classes 
of dyspepsia as chloroform or alcohol, and is often employed as 
a carminative to expel gas in flatulent dyspepsia. 

Heart. — Administered subcutaneously (dose, 10 to 15 minims) 
[.60 to 1. 00 c.c] or by the mouth, ether is an excellent cardiac 
stimulant of great value in fainting, cardiac failure, or palpitation ; 
its advantage over chloroform and alcohol being that it is more 
rapid in its action. It is very useful as an anti-spasmodic during 
an attack of asthma. 

Inhalation. — Ether is inhaled for the same purpose as chloro- 
form. There is great divergence of opinion which is the safer 
anaesthetic. All the published statistics in which the two are 
contrasted appear to show that ether is much safer, and this is 
what might have been expected from the contrast between the 
two already given ; but it is alleged that chloroform is often ad- 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 283 

ministered carelessly, and that with proper care it is [as safe as] 
ether. The nausea and vomiting which sometimes follow the 
administration of ether may, it is said, be checked by giving 15 
grains [1.00 gm.] of sodium bromide. 

V. AETHER ACETICUS. 

ACETIC ETHER.— C 2 H 5 C 2 H 3 2 [=87.8. Synonym.— Ethyl Ace- 
tate. A liquid composed of about 98.5 per cent., by weight, of Ethyl Acetate, 
and about 1.5 per cent, of Alcohol, containing a little water. 

Source. — A mixture of Sodium Acetate, Sulphuric Acid and Alcohol is 
distilled. C 2 H 5 OH -f NaC 2 H 3 2 + H 2 SC\ = C 2 H 5 C 2 H 3 Cy+ NaHSO i + 
H 2 0.] The distillate is purified [from acid and water by digestion with 
Potassium Carbonate. 

Characters. — A transparent, colorless liquid, of a fragrant and refresh- 
ing slightly acetous odor, and a peculiar, acetous, and burning taste. Sp. gr. 
0.893 to 0.895. Solubility. — In 8 parts of water ; freely in Alcohol or Ether.] 

Dose, 20 to 60 m. ; [1.20 to 4.00 c.c.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Acetic Ether. 
It acts like ether, as a stimulant, antispasmodic, and carmina- 
tive, but has a pleasanter taste. 

VI. [^THYL BROMIDUM. 
ETHYL BROMIDE (not official).— C 2 H 5 Br=io8. 70. Synonyms.— 

^Ether Bromatus. Hydrobromic Ether. This must be carefully distinguished 
from Ethylene Bromide. 

Source. — From a well-cooled mixture of Sulphuric Acid, 12 ; and Alco- 
hol (sp. gr., 0.8 1 6), 7 ; to which powdered Potassium Bromide, 12, is added ; 
this mixture is distilled. The distillate is washed by agitation, first with a 5 
per cent, solution of Potassium Carbonate, then with an equal volume of water; 
finally it is dehydrated with Calcium Chloride and redistilled. 

Characters. — A colorless, highly refractive, very volatile liquid having 
a strong ethereal odor and a sweetish, warm taste. Sp.gr., 1.445 to I.450. 
It is easily decomposed by light and air. 

Action and Uses of Ethyl Bromide. 
Ethyl Bromide was introduced to the profession in 1880 as 
the most agreeable and rapid anaesthetic. Several fatal cases hav- 
ing been reported, its use was abandoned. Recently, however, 
Cumston has recommended its inhalation, when pure, in doses of 
from 3 fl. dr. ; 12. c.c. (child of two years), to 6 fl. dr. ; 24. c.c. 



284 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

(adult), for surgical anaesthesia. The following precautions 
should be observed : Food, even a glass of milk, is absolutely- 
forbidden on the day of operation. The mask should perfectly 
cover the mouth and nose, so that no air is allowed to enter. 
The entire dose should be given at once. When narcosis is com- 
plete, the mask should be removed, and under no consideration 
be re-applied. Do not prolong the administration over one min- 
ute. Sleep is obtained in from twenty to thirty seconds, and 
lasts from two to three minutes, sometimes longer. The contra- 
indications to its use are dangerous lesions of heart, lungs, or 

kidneys. 

VII. BROMOFORMUM. 

BROMOFORM (not official).— CHBr 3 = 252. 25. Synonym.— Tri- 
bromomethane. 

Source. — By the action of Sodium Hypobromite (which is obtained 
when Bromine is added to a solution of Sodium Hydroxide) on Acetone. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, of a peculiar odor, and a sweetish 
taste. Sp. gr., 2.90. Solubility. — Slightly in water, but readily in Alcohol. 
It must be kept protected from light. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c. c. 

Action and Uses of Bromoform. 
Bromoform, an analogue of chloroform, is an anaesthetic. 
Inhaled, it produces anaesthesia in animals, but of shorter duration 
than that of ether or chloroform. It is a remedy of value for 
whooping cough, for which its pleasant taste and convenience of 
administration gives it great advantage. It can be given— bro- 
moform, 1; in a mixture of alcohol, 8; glycerin, 48; and 
compound tincture of cardamom, 8. Each fluid drachm ; 4 c.c, 
contains about 3 minims ; . 20 c.c. of the drug. Cases of poison- 
ing have been reported, so that it must be used with care. 

VIII. PENTALUM. 

PENTAL (not official).— C 5 H 10 =6o.85. Synonym. — Trimethylethy- 
lene. 

Source. — It is obtained from Amylic Alcohol by digestion with Zinc 
Chloride for twenty-four hours, and fractional distillation. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, very volatile, insoluble in water, but 
miscible in all proportions with Alcohol, Ether, and Chloroform ; highly inflam- 
mable. Sp. gr., 0.620. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 285 

Action and Uses of Pental. 

Pental is an anaesthetic, the equal of nitrous oxide in rapidity 
of action and perhaps safety, but superior to it in its more pro- 
longed action and in having no unpleasant after-effects. Even 
when insensibility to pain is reached, consciousness is retained 
sufficiently to respond to commands. The stage of exhilaration 
is seldom present; it does not lose its effect by repeated inhala- 
tions. It differs from chloroform in that it acts more promptly, 
and has no evil after-effects ; from ethyl bromide, in that it is 
somewhat slower in its action, but is more lasting in its effects, 
and can be prolonged as may be necessary ; from nitrous oxide, 
in its freedom from unpleasant effects.] 

Class III. — Drugs which Dilate Blood Vessels. 
Sodium Nitrite, Amyl Nitrite and Glonoin. 

The Nitrites are vaso-dilators, and increase the rapidity of the heart. 

I. SODII NITRIS. 

SODIUM NITRITE.— NaN0 2 [=68.9 3 .] 

Source. — Made by heating Sodium Nitrate with Lead, which becomes 
an oxide, taking Oxygen from the nitrate. [NaN0 3 +Pb=NaN0 2 -fPbO. 

Characters. — White, opaque, fused masses, usually in the form of pen- 
cils, or colorless, transparent, hexagonal crystals; odorless, and having a mild, 
saline taste. When exposed to the air, the salt deliquesces and is gradually 
oxidized to Sodium Nitrate. Solubility. — In about 1.5 parts of water; slightly 
soluble in Alcohol.] 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Spiritus /Etheris Nitrosi. — [Spirit of Nitrous Ether. Synonym. 
— Sweet Spirit of Nitre. 

An Alcoholic Solution of Ethyl Nitrite (C 2 H 5 N0 2 =74.87), 
yielding, when freshly prepared, not less than 11 times its own volume 
of Nitrogen Dioxide.] In many commercial specimens there is very 
little Ethyl Nitrite. 

Source. — [Dissolve Sodium Nitrite, 750, in water; adding Deo- 
dorized Alcohol, 550; introduce into the containing flask, Sulphuric 
Acid, 520; previously diluted, and distil. Wash the distillate with ice- 
cold water, remove traces of acid by Sodium Carbonate, 10, dissolved 



23G INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA; 






in water; agitate with Potassium Carbonate to remove all traces of 
water, and add sufficient Deodorized Alcohol. 

Characters. — A clear, mobile, volatile, inflammable liquid of a 
pale yellowish or faintly greenish-yellow tint, having a fragrant, ethe- 
real and pungent odor, free from acridity, and a sharp, burning taste. 
Sp. gr. 0.836 to 0.842.] 

Incompatibles. — Potassium iodide, ferric sulphate, tincture of 
guaiacum, gallic and tannic acids, and emulsions. 

Impurity. — Excess of acetic acid. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; [2. to 8. c.c] 

Action of Sodium Nitrite and Spirit of Nitrous Ether. 

External. — Spirit of nitrous ether evaporates when it is 
applied externally, and a slightly anaesthetic effect is pro- 
duced. 

Internal. — It combines the action of the ether with that of 
the nitrites contained in it. Because of the ether it is a dif- 
fusible stimulant, a stomachic and a carminative. Be- 
cause of the nitrites it acts like amyl nitrite; but as the ethyl 
nitrite is so diluted, its action in this direction is feeble ; thus it 
only moderately dilates the vessels, and except in poison- 
ous doses probably does not affect the blood. The dilatation of 
the vessels leads to a diaphoretic effect on the skin, a diuretic 
effect on the kidney, and a lowering of arterial blood-pressure. 
The dilatation of the cutaneous vessels, the sweating, and perhaps 
the changes of the blood, produce a slight antipyretic influence. 
It is obvious that in these effects the nitrites will to some extent 
be aided by the ether. [Sodium nitrite possesses the same, but 
a more lasting, action as the spirit of nitrous ether.] 

Therapeutics of Sodium Nitrite and Spirit of Nitrous 

Ether. 

For its diaphoretic and slight antipyretic effects it is com- 
monly given in mild febrile attacks, such as a common cold. It 
is also used as a diuretic in chronic Bright's disease, and cardiac 
and pulmonary diseases accompanied by oedema [but for these 
purposes the sodium nitrite is preferable.] 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 287 

II. AMYL NITRIS. 

[AMYL NITRITE.— C 5 H u N0. 2 =i 16.78. A liquid containing about 
-80 per cent, of Amyl (principally Iso-Amyl) Nitrite, together with variable 
quantities of undetermined compounds.] 

Source. —By action of Nitric Acid upon Amylic Alcohol. HN0 3 -(- 
C 5 H n OH=C 5 H 11 N0 2 4-2H 2 0. Purify the distillate with Sodium Carbonate. 

Characters.— [A clear yellow, or pale-yellow liquid, of a peculiar, 
ethereal, fruity odor, and a pungent, aromatic taste. Sp. gr. 0.870 to 0.880. 
Solubility. — -Insoluble in water;] soluble in Ether, Chloroform, or Alcohol. 

Impurities. — Free acid and amyl nitrate. 

Dose, [1 to 3 m. ; .06 to .20 c.c] cautiously inhaled from a handker- 
chief in which a glass capsule containing the Amyl Nitrite has been crushed; 
y z to 1 m. ; .03 to .06 c.c] internally, dissolved in [alcohol.] 

Action of Amyl Nitrite. 

External. — Locally applied it diminishes the activity of the 
sensory nerves, but they quickly recover. 

Internal — Amyl nitrite is rarely given by the mouth, so 
the following account will refer to the effects of inhalation. 

Circulation. — From the medical point of view by far the most 
important effects of amyl nitrite are those produced upon the 
heart and vessels. Within a minute of inhalation the face 
flushes, the heart beats very rapidly, and violently, there 
is a throbbing in the head, and the vessels, e. g., the carotids, 
may be seen to pulsate actively. Headache, giddiness, dilatation 
of the pupils, and increased respiratory movements quickly super- 
vene. All the vessels of the body rapidly dilate, hence the flush- 
ing. They may be actually seen to widen in the ear of a rabbit 
or in the retina. This is due to a direct action on the muscular 
coats of the arterioles, for it happens if the cord is destroyed. 
The blood-pressure and arterial tension, of course, fall very low. 
The increase in the rate of the pulse is unaccompanied by any 
alteration in the force of the beat; it is apparently due to a de- 
pressing influence on the inhibitory vagus centre ; [the vaso-motor 
paralysis will, however, produce a rapid pulse.] In toxic doses 
the heart may be arrested in diastole from direct action on the 
cardiac muscle. 

Respiration. — The rapidity and depth of respiration are at 



288 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

first increased, probably from central stimulation ; the respiratory 
centres are later depressed, the breathing becoming slower and 
shallower, and usually death finally occurs from paralytic asphyxia 
of central origin. 

Nervous System. — Many of the symptoms referable to the ner- 
vous system are secondary effects of the dilatation of the vessels 
of the brain and spinal cord. Such are the throbbing, sense of 
fulness, giddiness and headache noticed directly after inhalation. 
The headache mayremai:i some time. If much has been inhaled 
there is unsteadiness of gait and general restlessness. The pupil 
dilates, and disturbances of vision are present. The motor cen- 
tres of the cord are profoundly depressed ; therefore after large 
doses reflex actions are abolished. The function of sensory nerves, 
motor nerves, and muscles is depressed by the local application 
of the drug to them, but not after inhalation until shortly before 
death. 

Temperature. — Amyl nitrite causes this to fall considerably, 
both in fever and health. The fall is due to the peripheral vas- 
cular dilatation, and if large doses are given, to the changes in 
the blood. 

Urine. — The drug probably escapes in the urine; it is slightly 
diuretic, and may cause glycosuria, due, it is said, to dilatation 
of the vessels of the medulla. 

Blood. — Outside the body nitrites greatly diminish oxidation, 
and the same takes place in the blood. After the inhalation of 
a considerable amount (more than is usually given to a man) the 
arterial and venous blood both become a uniform chocolate color. 
This is due to the formation of methaemoglobin. The blood can 
no longer absorb oxygen, and hence its oxidizing power is 
abolished. 

Therapeutics of Amyl Nitrite. 

Heart and blood-vessels. — Brunton in 1867 observed that in a 
[patient suffering from] angina pectoris the peripheral vessels 
were strongly contracted during an attack of pain. This induced 
him to make the patient inhale amyl nitrite, and it was found 
that the vessels dilated and the pain passed off. Inhalation of 
[amyl] nitrite is now used for all sorts of cardiac pain, especially 









CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 289 

when it comes on in paroxysms. Generally the drug affords re- 
lief in a minute or so after inhalation, but by no means always. 
We do not sufficiently understand the pathology of angina pec- 
toris to know how it acts. It may be by dilating the peripheral 
vessels; but against that view is the fact that they are not always 
contracted during attacks of angina pectoris, and amyl nitrite 
may relieve patients in whom the vessels are not contracted. 
The attacks of pain common in thoracic aneurism may be re- 
lieved by it. It is used to avert the pallor sometimes seen during 
the administration of chloroform. The peculiar hot flushes ex- 
perienced by some women during the menopause are benefited by 
inhalation of it ; [this is probably untrue.] 

Nervous System. — If it is inhaled when the aura is felt, an 
epileptic fit may sometimes be prevented. Because in migraine the 
vessels of the head are contracted, it has been used, and sometimes 
successfully, for this complaint. Its depressing action on the cord 
has suggested its employment in tetanus and strychnine poisoning. 

Occasionally the inhalation of amyl nitrite relieves an attack 
of asthma. It has been given in whooping-cough, sea-sickness 
and cholera, but without much good effect. 

III. [GLONOINUM. 
SPIRITUS GLONOINI.— Spirit of Glonoin. Synonym.— Spirit of 

Nitroglycerin. An alcoholic solution of Glonoin, Glyceryl (or Propenyl) 
trinitrate, Nitroglycerin, or Trinitrin; C 3 H 5 (N0 3 ) 3 =226.58, containing i per 
cent., by weight, of the substance. 

Source. — Nitroglycerin is prepared by gradually adding dehydrated 
Glycerin to Nitric and strong Sulphuric Acid, the result being Propenyl tri- 
nitrate or Trinitroglycerin. C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 -J- 3HN0 3 =C 3 H 5 (N0 3 ) 3 -f- 3H 2 0. 
It separates as an oily layer which is washed with water and with dilute soda 
solution to remove all acid. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless liquid, possessing the odor and taste of 
Alcohol. Caution should be exercised in tasting it, since even a small quan- 
tity of it is liable to produce a violent headache. The same effect is produced 
when it is freely applied to the skin. Sp. gr. 0.826 to 0.832. 

Dose, 1 to 3 m. ; .06 to .20 c. c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Glonoin. 
Its action is the same as that of amyl nitrite, except that the 
effects of spirit of glonoin are more persistent, and as it is only 
19 



290 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

suitable for internal administration, they are slower in their onset. 
It is largely taken by persons liable to cardiac pains with the 
object of warding off the. attack. [Its most important use is for 
the relief of symptoms associated with the high tension pulse of 
chronic renal degeneration. Here the dose should be rapidly 
increased until relief is obtained.] Some authors regard it as a 
glycerin nitrate, but certainly physiologically it belongs to the 
class of nitrites. Those who look upon it as a nitrate, suppose 
that directly it gets into the body a nitrite is formed. 



Class IV. — The Hypnotics. 
Chloral and Paraldehyde. 

[Besides these the following drugs are considered: Butyl- Chloral Hydrate 
Chloralamide, Chloralose, Amylene Hydrate, Sulphonal, Trional and Urethane ; 
none of which are official]. 



I. CHLORAL. 



CHLORAL.— C 2 HC1 3 -f H 2 0[ = 164.97. Synonym.— Chloral Hy 
drate. 

Source. — Absolute Alcohol is saturated with dry Chlorine; Aldehyde and 
Hydrochloric Acid are first formed. C 2 H 5 OH -f Cl 2 = C 2 H 4 -f 2HCI. By 
the continued action of the Chlorine Gas 3 atoms of Hydrogen are abstracted 
from the Aldehyde and replaced by 3 atoms of Chlorine, producing Chloral. 
C 2 H 4 0-f 3CI = C 2 HC1 3 -f- 3HCI. It is purified by Sulphuric Acid, and 
afterwards by Lime. 

Characters. — Separate, rhomboidal, colorless and transparent crystals, 
having an aromatic, penetrating and slightly acid odor, and a bitterish, caustic 
taste. Easily melted by gentle heat. Solubility. — Freely in water, Alcohol 
and Ether ] Forms a liquid when rubbed up with an equal weight of cam- 
phor. 

Incompatibles. — All alkalies decompose it. 

Impurities. — Hydrochloric Acid and oily impurities. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [30 to 1.20 gm.] 

[The U. S. P. is in error in naming the crystalline product, as above 
described, chloral; it is actually chloral hydrate, for the molecule of water is 
necessary for crystallization. Chloral really is an oily liquid. Whenever 
chloral is mentioned, in this book, chloral hydrate is intended.] 



. 



carbon and its compounds. 291 

Action of Chloral. 

External. — It is a powerful antiseptic. Locally applied 
it is irritant, causing vesication. [Chloral rubbed up with equal 
parts of menthol and camphor is a local anodyne.] 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Unless diluted, chloral is a 
gastric irritant ; large doses, therefore, may give rise to vomiting 
and purging. 

Blood. — It is readily absorbed, and circulates in the blood 
unchanged. It was formerly thought that as alkalies convert it 
into chloroform and formic acid, this change would take place in 
the blood, and consequently Liebreich suggested its use as an 
hypnotic. It is now known that this view is wrong, for no chlo- 
roform can be found in the blood of chloralized animals, nor in 
the urine unless that fluid is alkaline, in which case chloral is 
decomposed by the alkali in the urine. 

Circulation. — Chloral depresses the heart, large doses 
having this action to a considerable degree. This is due to a 
local effect on the organ itself; probably both the muscular sub- 
stance and the nerves contained in it are affected. The pulse, 
which may at first be slightly quickened, soon becomes slow, 
feeble, and irregular, and the heart finally stops in diastole. The 
vaso-motor centre is depressed, and consequently the ves- 
sels dilate. As a result of these actions on the heart and the 
vessels the blood-pressure falls. 

Respiration. — After large doses the respirations become slow 
and full, and after toxic doses they become irregular and shallow 
before finally ceasing. This is due to the action of chloral on 
the respiratory centre. 

Temperature. — Large doses cause this to fall, probably by 
diminishing the production of heat. 

Brain. — Chloral is a powerful hypnotic, acting directly 
on the brain. The stage of excitation, if it exists, is very short. 
Soon after taking a- moderate dose the patient is overcome by 
sleep, which lasts several hours, and is indistinguishable from 
natural sleep. On waking there is neither confusion nor head- 
ache, and he feels refreshed. Large doses produce coma. The 
pupil is always contracted. 



292 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Spinal Cord. — At first the anterior cornua may be slightly 
stimulated, but soon they are depressed, and there is consequently 
paralysis and loss of reflex excitability. The motor nerves and 
the muscles are not affected, nor are the sensory nerves unless the 
dose is very large, when there may be anaesthesia. 

It will be observed that chloral is a powerful general de- 
pressant, chiefly of the cerebrum, but also of the respiratory 
centre, the vaso-motor centre, the anterior cornua, of the produc- 
tion of heat, and the heart. It is only because it depresses the 
cerebrum much earlier than any other part of the body that we 
can use it as an hypnotic. 

Therapeutics of Chloral. 

External. — The compound with camphor [equal weights of 
camphor and chloral rubbed together to form a liquid] has been 
employed as a local anodyne for neuralgia, and may be applied 
to aching teeth. [To this menthol can be advantageously added.] 

Internal. — Chloral is largely used for its hypnotic effect. 
Its great advantages over many other hypnotics are that doses 
sufficient to produce a deep sleep are not large enough to cause 
gastro-intestinal irritation, cardiac and respiratory depression, 
and the other harmful effects. Chloral is certain in its action 
[in that] it quickly produces sleep ; and there are [usually] no 
bad after-effects. [Chloral is far from being a safe hypnotic; it 
depresses the heart so markedly that the prescriber should be 
always upon his guard.] Children take it well. [Its unpleasant 
taste can be concealed by administration in bottled "lemon 
soda."] 

It is especially useful in simple insomnia from overwork, 
worry, etc. Its disadvantages are that it does not relieve pain at 
all, and it should therefore not be used for insomnia due to this 
cause ; and that, as it depresses the heart and respiration, it must 
be given carefully in diseases of the heart and lungs, and also 
when the stomach or intestines are diseased, as it may irritate 
these structures. In febrile insomnia it is very valuable in the 
early stages, but must be given cautiously, later, when there is any 
danger of cardiac weakness. It does not relieve the distress and 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 293 

cough of disease of the heart and lungs. It has been used as a 
cerebral depressant in delirium tremens, puerperal convulsions, 
and mania, but very large doses are required, and consequently 
the results must be watched with great care. [A very important 
use of chloral is in midwifery ; here it has been designated the 
medicinal forceps. Frequently after rest has been obtained by 
this drug, labor proceeds vigorously and is rapidly terminated.] 

From its action on the spinal cord, chloral has been used, and 
sometimes with success, in tetanus, whooping-cough, inconti- 
nence of urine and strychnine poisoning. 

[Hypnal is a compound of chloral with antipyrin, made by 
mixing their solutions, and is obtained in crystalline form. It was 
proposed by Bardet as a hypnotic, more certain than chloral, nearly 
free from taste, entirely free from irritating effect upon the 
mucous membranes, and having distinct analgesic effects. It has 
been but little used. The dose is about 15 gr. ; 1.00 gm.] 

Toxicology. 

Acute Poisoning. — As will be inferred from the action of chloral, the 
symptoms of poisoning by it [closely resemble those of opium. They] are 
deep coma; a weak, feeble, irregular, slow pulse, which may become quick 
before death; diminished frequency of respiration and consequent lividity; 
and abolition of reflex movements. The surface of the skin is cold, and the 
temperature is subnormal. [The pulse should always be carefully watched 
whenever chloral has been administered. It frequently happens that symp- 
toms of failing heart come on unexpectedly even after small doses.] 

Treatment. — Give emetics or wash out the stomach. Keep up the tem- 
perature by hot bottles, hot blankets, friction and massage. Prevent sleep by 
the injection of hot, strong coffee into the rectum, shouting at the patient, 
hitting him, flapping with wet towels, bathing, etc. Give a subcutaneous 
injection of strychnine, because of its stimulant action on the anterior cornua. 
Use inhalations of amyl nitrite to stimulate the heart, and artificial respiration 
if necessary. 

Chronic Poisoning. — The taking of chloral is a vice to which many 
persons are addicted. A craving for it is soon established. The chief 
symptoms of chronic chloral poisoning are gastro-intestinal irritation, a great 
liability to erythematous eruptions, dyspnoea dependent upon the cardiac and 
respiratory depression and general weakness. They may be disturbance of 
the mental equilibrium, and persons have been known to become permanently 
weak-minded. A slightly larger dose than usual may be quickly fatal. 



291 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



II. BUTYL-CHLORAL HYDRAS. 

BUTYL-CHLORAL HYDRATE. [B. P., not official].— C 4 H 5 C1 3 
0-f-H a O = [192.91.] Synonym. — Croton Chloral Hydrate. (This is a mis- 
nomer.) 

Source. — Dry Chlorine Gas is passed through Aldehyde. Butyl-chloral 
(C 4 H 5 C1 3 0) is formed. It is separated by fractional distillation, and water is 
added. 

Characters. — Pearly-white, crystalline scales, with a nauseous taste and 
a pungent odor like chloral. Solubility. — In 50 parts of water; freely in Al- 
cohol and Glycerin. 

Incompatibles. — All alkalies. 

Dose 5 to [20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Butyl-Chloral Hydrate. 

The action of this drug is exactly similar to that of chloral, 
but butyl-chloral hydrate is less certain in its effects. It is said 
to be less depressant to the heart, but this is doubtful. It has a 
specific action in relieving neuralgia of the fifth nerve. 

III. CHLORAL [FORMAMIDATUM. 

CHLORAL FORMAMIDE. (Not official.)— CCl 3 CH.OH.CONH 2 
=191.95. Synonym. — Chloralamide. 

Source. — By the combination of Chloral and Formamide. CO 3 CH0-f- 
CH0NH. 2 =CC1 3 CH.0H.C0NH 2 .] 

Characters. — Shining colorless crystals, [without odor and of a slightly 
bitter taste. Solubility. — Slowly, in about 20 parts of water, in 1.5 parts of 
Alcohol, and in weak acid solutions. It should not be heated over 140 F. ; 
6o° C, or mixed with alkalies, for, in either case, it decomposes into Chloral. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Chloralamide. 

Chloralamide is an excellent hypnotic, producing calm, 
refreshing sleep without any bad after-effects. Frequent use does 
not necessitate an increased dose, nor, as far as known, is any 
habit contracted. It does not relieve pain, but is equally service- 
able for all varieties of insomnia, unless due to pain. If possible 
it should not be given as a powder, for it is then so very slowly 
absorbed that probably some of it is decomposed in the intes- 
tines or stomach; [very rarely], when powdered chloralamide 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 295 

has been administered in the evening, the patient has not slept 
during the night, but has slept all the next day, because the drug 
has been so slowly absorbed. The best way to give it is to 
dissolve it in a little alcohol. The patient may be told to dissolve 
20 gr..; [1.20 gm.] or more, in sufficient brandy, to add water 
not above 130 F. ; 54. 4 C, and drink it before going to bed. 
Some specimens are very insoluble, and must be suspended. It 
is said that 10 minims [.60 c.c] of aromatic sulphuric acid added 
to 1 fl. oz. ; [30. c.c] of water will dissolve 30 gr. ; [2 gm.] of 
chloralamide, but this is not always true. It acts if given as an 
enema. Fifteen grains [1.00 gm.] of potassium bromide and 
chloralamide, flavored with tincture of orange [peel] and chloro- 
form water has been strongly recommended for sea-sickness. This 
mixture resembles a proprietary preparation called Chlorobrom. 

IV. ANHYDROGLUCO-CHLORAL. 

CHLORALOSE. [Not official.— C 8 H U C1 3 6 =259. 85. 

Source. — By heating together Anhydrous Chloral and Glucose, the 
soluble Chloralose is formed which crystallizes. CjHCljO-j-CgH^Og^CgHn 
C1 3 6 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — In small crystals, having a bitter and disagreeable, but 
not acrid taste. Solubility. — Freely in hot, slightly in cold water. 

Dose, 2 to 4 gr.; .12 to .25 gm. 

Action and Therapeutics of Chloralose. 

On account of its bitter taste it is best given in capsules. 
Chloralose will produce sound sleep in which sensibility is not 
lost, although the reflex activities are greater than usual, because 
as, Richet says, it excites the spinal cord while depressing the 
functions of the brain. The awakening is without unpleasant 
effects. Ten grains; .60 gm., have produced profound uncon- 
ciousness, so that caution should be exercised in prescribing. 

V. AMYLENI HYDRAS. 

AMYLENE HYDRATE. (Not official.)— (CH s ) 2 C 2 H 5 COH=87. 81. 
Synonyms. — Dimethylethylcarbinol. Tertiary Amylic Alcohol. 

Source. — By the action of Sulphuric Acid on Amylene, separation of the 
Amylene-sulphuric Acid, dilution, filtration, neutralization with Milk of Lime 
or solution of Soda, and fractional distillation. 



296 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



CHARACTERS. — A limpid, colorless, oily liquid, of a peculiar penetrating 
odor. Sp. gr., 0.815. Solubility. — In 8 parts of water; readily in Alcohol, 
Ether or Chloroform. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 



Action and Uses of Amylene Hydrate. 
Amylene hydrate is a hypnotic, about midway in power 
between chloral and paraldehyde, having a pleasanter taste than 
the latter. The sleep is generally natural, and the awakening 
prompt and complete. It is a safe hypnotic, having no action 
upon the heart or respiration, and it may have also anodyne pro- 
perties. It can be administered in wine, raspberry syrup, or 
simply in water. It has been given hypodermatically, with one- 
half its volume of alcohol. After continued use it is apt to dis- 
agree with the stomach.] 

VI. PARALDEHYDUM. 

[PARALDEHYDE.— C 6 H ]2 3 =i3i. 7.] 

Source. — A product of the polymerization of [Ethylic] Aldehyde by 
means of various Acids or Salts. For example, [Ethylic] Aldehyde may be 
acted on by Hydrochloric Acid, [Carbonyl Chloride (COCl 2 ), Sulphur Dioxide] 
or Zinc Chloride; during the action, the temperature of the mixture rises, and 
almost complete conversion into Paraldehyde takes place. On cooling to 
below 32 F. [o° C.],. Paraldehyde crystallizes. 3C 2 H 4 0=C 6 H ]2 3 . 

Characters. — A colorless [transparent liquid, having a strong, charac- 
teristic, but not unpleasant or pungent odor, and a burning and cooling taste. 
Sohibility. — In 85 parts of water; freely in Alcohol and Ether.] 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; [1. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Paraldehyde. 

External. — It is antiseptic. 

Internal. — Even large doses do not affect the gastro-intes- 
tinal tract, heart or respiration ; but enormous doses of paralde- 
hyde weaken the action of the heart, and kill by paralysis of the 
respiratory centre. 

Nervous system. — It is a powerful hypnotic, without any 
unpleasant after-effects. It acts quickly, and the sleep, which 
lasts several hours, is quiet, refreshing, and dreamless. Paralde- 
hyde in toxic doses paralyzes the anterior cornua of the spinal 






CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 297 

cord; thus it abolishes reflex action and causes paralysis. It does 
not affect nerves or muscles. 

Therapeutics of Paraldehyde. 

Internal. — It is given solely as an hypnotic in the same class 
of cases as chloral, and as it does not act on the heart it may also 
be used for patients suffering from cardiac disease. It has been 
used largely in asylums to produce quiet in mania, and sleep in 
melancholia. It may produce an erythematous rash. The great 
objection to its use is its [disagreeable] taste, which is best covered 
by prescribing it with syrup and tincture of orange peel in at least 
two fluid ounces [60. c c] of water to insure that ausual dose will 
be dissolved. [It can also be administered in glycerin in a 25 per 
cent, solution, which renders it more palatable.] It gives an 
extremely offensive and persistent odor to the breath, which lasts 
many hours. [Instances of the paraldehyde habit have been 
occasionally reported. There is great emaciation, cardiac weak- 
ness, unsteady gait, mental confusion and agitation with hallucina- 
tions of sight and hearing and unpleasant delusions. Restraint 
for several months is necessary for cure.] 

VII. SULPHONALUM. 

SULPHONAL. [B. P., not official.]— C 7 H 16 S 2 4 =[227. 59.] Syn- 
onym. — Diethylsulphondimethylmethane. (CH 3 ) 2 C(S0 2 C 2 H 5 ) 2 =[227.59.] 

Source. — Mercaptan (Ethyl Hydrosulphide) is combined with Acetone 
to form Mercaptol, which by oxidation with Potassium Permanganate yields 
Sulphonal. 

Characters. — Colorless, tabular crystals, inodorous, almost tasteless. 
Solubility. — In 450 parts of cold; in 15 parts of boiling water; in 90 parts of 
Alcohol or Ether ; in 3 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 15 to 40 gr. ; [1.00 to 2.40 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sulphonal. 

Sulphonal is an hypnotic. It does not depress the heart, 
but kills by paralysis of respiration. The drug is given for the 
same class of cases as chloral, but as it is so insoluble, it is 
absorbed with difficulty and very slowly; hence it takes some 
hours to act, and its action may be prolonged into the next day. 
It produces its effect most rapidly if the fluid, in which it is sus- 



298 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



pended, is hot. It has been known to produce [persistent] erup- 
tions upon the skin and haematoporphyrin in the urine. [Several 
fatal cases of poisoning by this drug have been reported from 
small doses continued for long periods. Severe general func- 
tional disturbances have followed its use. 

VIII. TRIONALUM. 

TRIONAL. (Not official.)— CH 3 C(S0 2 C 2 H 5 ) 2 C 2 H 5 =24I. 56. Syn- 
onym. — Diethylsulphonmethylethylmethane. This contains three Ethyl groups 
instead of two as does Sulphonal. 

Source. -It is prepared as in Sulphonal, except that Methyl ethylketone 
is used in place of Acetone. 

Characters. — Shining, colorless, odorless crystalline plates, tasteless and 
odorless. Solubility. — In 32c parts of water; readily in Alcohol and Ether. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 



Action and Therapeutics of Trional. 

Trional is a prompt hypnotic, without cumulative action, and 
it has no injurious or unpleasant after-effects. Apparently the 
patients do not become habituated to its use. It has been used 
as a hypnotic and sedative for the insane ; for narcotic habitues, 
so far as is known, it is a safe remedy. It is important the daily 
action of the bowels be secured, an alkaline water be given daily, 
and weekly intermissions be insisted upon, otherwise it may give 
rise to disagreeable after-effects. It but rarely gives rise to haema- 
toporphyrinuria. 

Tetronal is of similar chemical composition, containing four 
instead of three ethyl groups, and is used for the same purposes, 
but in somewhat larger dose. 

IX. URETHANUM. 

URETHANE. (Not official.)- CO.NH 2 .OC 2 H 5 = 88.94. Synonyms. 
—Ethyl Carbamate. Ethyl Urethane. 

Source. — By the interaction of Urea Nitrate and Ethyl Alcohol ; and 
crystallization on cooling. 

Characters. — Colorless, columnar or tabular crystals ; colorless, and 
having a pleasant, saline, somewhat cooling taste. Solubility. — In 1 part of 
water; 0.6 part of Alcohol; 1 part of Ether; 3 parts of Glycerin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 



carbon and its compounds. 299 

Action and Uses of Urethane. 

Urethane is used as a hypnotic, and is believed to provide a 
calm, natural sleep without any disagreeable after-effects. It was 
formerly more frequently employed.] 

Class V. — Drugs which have an Antipyretic and Analgesic Action. 
[The single official representative is Acetanilid. 

Antipyrin and Phenacetin (B. P.), Exalgin, Lactophenin, Phenocoll 
Hydrochloride and Thallin Sulphate, none of which are official, belong to this 
class.] 

I. ACETANILIDUM. 

ACETANILID.— C 6 H 5 NHC 2 H 3 0[^ 134.73.] Synonyms.— Phenyl- 
acetamide. Antifebrin. [An Acetyl derivative of Aniline.] 

Source. — Glacial Acetic Acid and pure Aniline are heated together [the 
excess of both ingredients is then distilled off, and the congealed residue is 
crude Acetanilid, which is purified by repeated crystallization from water.] 
C 6 H 5 NH 2 + HC 2 H 3 2 =C 6 H 5 NHC 2 H 3 + H 2 0. 

Characters. — [White, shining micaceous crystalline laminae, or a crys- 
talline powder, odorless, having a faintly burning taste, and permanent in the 
air. Solubility. — In 194 parts of water, and in 5 parts of Alcohol ; also solu- 
ble in 18 parts of Ether, and easily soluble in Chloroform. 

Incompatibles. — Potassium and sodium hydrate, and chloroform. 

Impurities. — Aniline and its salts. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; ,12 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Acetanilid. 

External. — Skin. — It may produce an erythematous rash 
which [may resemble that of] measles or is urticarial and it 
is a [vigorous] diaphoretic. 

Internal. — Blood. — With ordinary doses of this drug this 
fluid is unaffected, but in large doses the color is changed, from 
the formation of methsemoglobin. The passage of this in the 
urine discolors it. It causes the red corpuscles to break up and 
arrests the movements of the white. 

Heart. — This substance depresses the heart. It is not known 
how it does this ; but what little evidence there is appears 



300 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



to show that it has a directly paralyzing action on the cardiac 
muscle. 

Vessels. — Acetanilid contracts the smaller vessels from direct 
action on their muscular coat. The blood-pressure therefore 
rises. This substance is, owing to this property, a local haemo- 
static. 

Respiration. — This is not affected by ordinary doses. After 
toxic doses the force of the respiratory act progressively dimin- 
ishes. 

Kidneys. — This substance is a mild diuretic. The excretion 
of urea and uric acid is stated to be increased by it. Large doses 
cause the urine to be dark from the passage of altered blood. 
Acetanilid is said to be excreted as aniline, but this requires 
confirmation. 

Temperature. —This substance is a powerful antipyretic. 
It has a very slight action on the temperature of health, but it 
reduces it very markedly when it is raised from any cause. It 
was introduced into medicine for this property. We have 
already seen {see p. 68) how numerous are the ways in which 
antipyretics may act. The fall of temperature produced by this 
drug is not due to any action on the blood or the circulation, 
and it is too marked to be entirely owing to its diaphoretic 
action. It decreases heat production, and it is most likely that 
it acts directly upon that part of the central nervous system, 
probably upon the corpora striata, which preside over heat pro- 
duction. It, to a much less extent, increases heat dissipation. 
The result of these two actions is that the temperature falls. The 
proof of these statements is too long and complicated to give 
here, but we may mention that it is easy to show both by a calo- 
rimeter, and by the decrease of the products of the febrile 
destruction of tissue, such as urea, that these drugs diminish heat 
production. [It also possesses anti-periodic properties.] 

Nervous Sy stent. — The drug is a powerful analgesic. Ace- 
tanilid in large doses is said to produce first convulsions, then 
coma and paralysis of motor nerves and muscles ; but all these 
statements require further experiments. 



carbon and its compounds. 301 

Therapeutics of Acetanilid. 

External. — Acetanilid has been used in form of a dusting 
powder [for soft and hard venereal ulcerations, in place of iodo- 
form,] or as an ointment (i to 24) for chronic ulcers and eczema. 
[It has also been employed as an antiseptic for wounds. Too 
large a surface, however, should not be dusted over.] 

Internal. — Pyrexia. — Originally this drug was introduced 
into medicine on account of the property which it has of reducing 
pyrexia. The opinion is, however, gaining ground that if the 
temperature is not dangerously high no attempt should be made 
to reduce it, for probably the raised temperature is an endeavor 
on the part of the body to defend itself against the micro-organ- 
isms which are the cause of the particular fever from which the 
patient is suffering; in other words, the pyrexia is a "defensive 
mechanism." Further, this drug is a cardiac depressant, and 
therefore unsuitable for patients suffering from fever, and this 
last consideration makes many physicians prefer to use cold 
water when the temperature is so high that it, of itself, is dan- 
gerous to life. In order to gain a rapid effect, when it has been 
decided to use an antipyretic this drug is useful. The balance 
of evidence is that toxicological symptoms are less common 
after acetanilid, which, however, does not keep the temperature 
down quite so long as [other antipyretics.] It takes about two 
hours to reduce the pyrexia to its minimum. [Acetanilid] 
may be given per rectum. It has no action upon the intestinal 
tract. 

Analgesic Action — This drug has the property of relieving 
pain of neuralgia, sciatica, dysmenorrhcea, locomotor ataxia, 
migraine, and various headaches. 

[Under the name of Antikamnia a substance has been intro- 
duced which is probably a mixture of 20 parts of sodium bicar- 
bonate, 70 of acetanilid and 10 of caffeine. Since acetanilid is 
a cardiac depressant, the addition of caffeine may be advantageous 
in some cases. A case of death has been reported, attributed to 
the ingestion of 24 grains [1.50 gm.] of this mixture.] 



302 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Acetanilid occasionally produces in man collapse, cyanosis, 
very slow respiration, a feeble and irregular pulse, vomiting, profuse sweating, 
and profound prostration. [Death has occurred after a dose of 5 gr. ; .30 gm.] 
It is not known whether these symptoms are due to impurities in the drug. 

Treatment. — Stimulation by alcohol and ether, subcutaneously, and by 
the mouth. Strychnine subcutaneously to stimulate the heart. Oxygen inha- 
lations. Warmth to the feet and body. 

II. ANTIPYRINUM. 

ANTIPYRIN. (Not official.)— Phenazonum, [B.P.] - C 6 H 5 (CH 3 ) 2 C 3 
HN 2 0.=[i87.65.] Synonym.— Phenyldimethylpyrazolone. 

Source. — Aceto-acetic Ether is acted upon by Phenyl-hydrazine, when 
Phenylmonomethylpyrazolone, Ethyl Alcohol, and water are formed. CH 3 
COCH 2 COOC 2 H 5 +H 2 NNHC 6 H 5 = C 6 H 5 (CH 3 )C 3 H 2 N 2 0+C 2 H 5 OH -f H 2 0. 
The Monomethyl compound is treated with Methyl Iodide and Methyl Alcohol. 
C 6 H 5 (CH 3 )C 3 H 2 N 2 0+CH 5 I=C 6 H 5 (CH3) 2 C 3 HN 2 0+HI. 

Characters. — Colorless, odorless, scaly crystals [of a somewhat bitter 
taste]. ■ Solubility. — Freely in water, Alcohol and Chloroform. 

Incompatibles. — Iron sulphate, iodide, and chloride, copper sulphate, 
iodine, arsenic iodide, carbolic, hydrocyanic, and nitric acids, potassium 
permanganate, salicylates, [corrosive mercuric chloride], spirit of nitrous 
ether; all preparations of tannin give a white precipitate; chloral hydrate 
decomposes it. 

Dose, 3 to 20 gr. ; [.20 to 1.20 gm.] 



Action and Therapeutics of Antipyrin. 

[Antipyrin in small doses may moderately increase arterial 
pressure by direct stimulation of the heart (Wood) ; in large 
doses it is a cardiac depressant, the final fall of blood pressure 
being certainly due, at least in part, to a direct action upon the 
heart.] It also contracts the blood-vessels, being therefore a 
local haemostatic. It is a mild diuretic, and is quickly excreted 
in the urine as antipyrin. [It may produce an erythematous 
rash. It rapidly reduces an elevated temperature by decreasing 
heat production, by direct action on the centre which presides 
over heat production, and to a much less extent increases heat 
dissipation. In large doses it is said to produce convulsions, 
later coma, and paralysis of motor nerves and muscles.] 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 303 

Antipyrin is given internally as a powerful antipyretic, in 
fevers of various kinds. It is also used as a haemostatic in haem- 
orrhoids and epistaxis. It has been used with some success in 
diabetes. It is largely employed as an anti-neuralgic, reliev- 
ing the pains of locomotor ataxia and other nervous affections, 
and as an anti-rheumatic. It has been highly recommended 
in chorea and epilepsy. Externally it is supposed to be an anti- 
septic, but irritation has followed its hypodermatic use. It is a 
local anaesthetic. 

Salipyrin is prepared by the action of antipyrin upon sali- 
cylic acid in substance. It is a white, coarsely-crystalline 
powder with a rather sweetish taste, readily soluble in alcohol, 
but slightly in water. In chronic articular rheumatism and 
sciatica it has been successful, but it does not prevent relapses. 
It has been successfully used for spasmodic dysmenorrhea. The 
dose is from 6 to 30 gr. ; .40 to 2.00 gm. 

Iodopyrin or iodantipyrin is supposed to have a hydrogen 
atom in the phenyl group of antipyrin replaced by iodine. It 
occurs in colorless, prismatic needles, which are tasteless. It is, 
with difficulty, soluble in cold water or alcohol, but readily when 
hot. It causes a fall of temperature and perspiration, but with- 
out collapse or shivering. It is doubtful if it has any advantage 
over antipyrin. The dose is from 2 to 15 gr. ; .12 to 1. 00 gm. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Antipyrin occasionally produces, in man, collapse, cyanosis, very 
slow respiration, a feeble and irregular pulse, vomiting and profound prostration. 
It is not known whether these symptoms have been due to impurities in the drug, 
[but it is quite likely that they have arisen from improper dosage]. Many 
deaths have been caused by this drug; it has been stated that during one 
epidemic of influenza in Vienna seventeen persons were killed by it. 

Treatment. — Stimulation by Alcohol and Ether subcutaneously and by 
the mouth ; Strychnine subcutaneously to stimulate the heart ; warmth to the 
feet and body. 

III. PHENACETINUM. 

[PHENACETIN.] (Not official.)— C 10 H 13 NO 2 =[i 78.63]. Synonym. 
— Para-acetphenetidin. C 6 H 4 OC 2 H 5 NHC 2 H 3 = [178.63]. 

Source. — Glacial Acetic Acid is made to act upon paraphenetidin, a pro- 
duct of Phenol. C 6 H 5 OC 2 H 5 NH 2 +HC 2 H 3 2 =C 6 H 4 OC 2 H 5 NHC 2 H 3 0+H 2 0. 



304 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Colorless scaly crystals, Solubility. — Very sparingly (i in 
1700) in water; in 30 parts of Alcohol; soluble in Glycerin. 

Dose, 5 to 10 gr.; [.30 to .60 gm.] (as an antipyretic), in cachets, 
capsules or suspended. 

Action and Therapeutics of Phenacetin. 
[Phenacetin has no action externally nor on the gastro-intestinal 
tract, and with ordinary doses the blood is unaffected. It 
slightly depresses the heart, but does not in ordinary doses affect 
the respiration. It is a mild diuretic, but large doses cause the 
passage of altered blood. It is a powerful antipyretic by de- 
creasing heat production and slightly increasing heat dissipation. 
It is a powerful analgesic. It is a valuable remedy for reducing 
fever, and because it depresses the heart but little, it is safer 
than either antipyrin or acetanilid. It is however, very insoluble, 
and slower and less powerful than these remedies, but the effects 
last longer. As this drug possesses a marked analgesic action, it 
is to be preferred as a remedy for the relief of pain, as neuralgia, 
sciatica, locomotor ataxia, migraine and various headaches. For 
this purpose, the dose of 5 gr. ; .30 gm., should be administered 
every hour for three or four hours; this generally gives relief. 
This drug has been of service in the treatment of epilepsy. 

Toxicology. 
Symptoms. — This drug sometimes produces severe vomiting, sweating, 
feeble and rapid pulse, and collapse. Treatment. — Alcoholic stimulation. 
Strychnine hypodermatically. External warmth.] 

IV. EXALGINUM. 

EXALGIN. (Not official.)— [C 6 H 5 N(CH 3 )CH 3 CO= 148.70.] Syn- 
onym. — Methyl Acetanilid. 

[SOURCE. — By warming together Monomethylaniline and Acetyl Chloride. 

Characters. — Colorless acicular needles, with a slightly] saline taste. 
Solubility. — In 60 parts of water; freely in Alcohol. 

Dose, y z to 3 gr. ; [.03 to .20 gm.] 

Action and Uses of Exalgin. 
Exalgin is a powerful analgesic and has been given with 
success for neuralgia. Often it relieves when many other drugs 
have failed. Medicinal doses hardly ever cause depression, but 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 305 

very large quantities may be dangerous from their breaking up 
the blood like acetanilid. [It is used for migraine, sciatica, the 
pains of rheumatism, and, of late, for chorea. 

Toxicology. 

Several severe cases of poisoning having been reported, the usual dose 
should not be exceeded. The symptoms are similar to those of acetanilid. 
Treatment. — As for acetanilid. [See p. 302.) 

V. LACTOPHENINUM. 

LACTOPHENIN. (Not official.)— C n H 15 N0 3 = 208.56. Synonym. - 
Lactylparaphenetidine. C 6 H 4 OC 2 H 6 NHCOCH (OH)CH s =2o8.56. 

Source. — Lactophenin differs from Phenacetin only by the substitution of 
Lactic for Acetic Acid. 

Characters. — A white, tasteless powder. Solubility. — In 330 parts of 
water. 

Dose, 10 to 15 gr. ; .60 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Lactophenin. 

Lactophenin is an analgesic and antithermic. It is usually 
better borne than antipyrin. Although it may, in some instances, 
give rise to sweating, it does not cause collapse nor cyanosis. It 
produces a considerable and persistent lowering of a febrile 
temperature, but without abundant perspiration, and its use is 
not followed by chilly sensations. It has been administered in 
articular rheumatism, influenza, scarlet fever, septicaemia and 
other infectious diseases. Von Jaksch has obtained excellent 
results in typhoid fever, with daily doses from 7 to 15 gr. ; .50 to 
1. 00 gm., not only in reducing the fever, but as a sedative when 
delirium becomes a prominent symptom. 

VI. PHENOCOLLI HYDROCHLORIDUM. 

PHENOCOLL HYDROCHLORIDE. (Not official.)— C 10 H u N 2 Cy 
HCl=230.oi. 

Source. — By the intermixture of Phenetidine with Glycocoll or Amido- 
acetic Acid. 

Characters. — It is a white micro-crystalline powder. Solubility. — In 
20 parts of water. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 
20 



306 inorganic materia medica. 

Action and Uses of Phenocoll Hydrochloride. 
It is not poisonous to animals and nor does it injuriously 
affect the blood. It is a fairly powerful antipyretic, not followed 
by collapse or cyanosis ; the perspiration is not more marked than 
after large doses of antipyrin. It has also been used as an anti- 
neuralgic ; in severe acute articular rheumatism it has exercised 
a benefical action upon the joints when other remedies have 
failed. It is rapidly excreted by the urine, to which it gives a 
brownish color, and it probably increases the excretion of uric 
acid. The reports, of which there are now a considerabl 
number, are favorable to this remedy. 



VII. THALLIN^ SULPHAS. 



' 



THALLINE SULPHATE. (Not official.) — 2C 9 H 10 N(OCH 3 )H 2 
S0 4 + 2H 2 0=459.o6. 

Source. — By heating together Paramidoanisol, Paranitranisol, Glycerin 
and Sulphuric Acid. 

Characters. — A white or whitish granular crystalline powder having a 
slightly Anise-like odor and a nauseous, bitter, saline and pungent taste 
Solubility. — In 7 parts of water; in 100 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr.; .12 to .60 gm. 

Action and Uses of Thallin Sulphate. 
This drug was introduced into medicine as an antipyretic, but 
it was soon abandoned because of the dangerous collapse with 
marked cyanosis which it produced. It is rarely given internally, 
because it is poisonous to the red blood corpuscles and to the 
nervous system. Its chief use is as an injection for gonorrhoea, in 
aqueous solution (1 or 2 to 120), or it can be used in a 2 per 
cent, solution in gelatin bougies. In gleet beneficial results have 
followed the injection of 1 to 8 aqueous solutions.] 

Class VI. — The Antiseptics. 

Carbolic Acid, Sodium Sulphocarbolate, Cresote, 
Iodoform, Naphtalin, Naphtol and Resorcin. 

[Besides these the following drugs which are not official are included in 
this class: Zinc Sulphocarbolate (B. P.), Guaiacol, Aristol, Iodol, Europhen, 






CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 307 

Creolin, Lysol, Asaprol, Formaldehyde, Saccharin, Methylene Blue and Pipera- 

zine.] 

I. [ACIDUM CARBOLICUM CRUDUM. 

CRUDE CARBOLIC ACID. 

Source. — A liquid consisting of various constituents of coal-tar, chiefly 
cresol and phenol, obtained by fractional distillation between the temperatures 
of 302 and 392 F. ; 150 and 200 C, and twice rectified between the tem- 
peratures of 338 and 374 F. ; I70 to 190 C. 

Characters. — A nearly colorless or reddish, or brownish-red liquid of a 
strongly empyreurnatic and creosote-like odor, having a benumbing,. blanching 
and caustic effect upon the skin and mucous membrane, and a slightly acid 
reaction. 

Used only externally.] 

II. ACIDUM CARBOLICUM. 

CARBOLIC ACID.— C 6 H 5 OH [=93.78.] Synonyms. Phenic Acid. 
Phenol. Phenyl Alcohol. 

Source. — [From Crude Carbolic Acid by agitation with warm concen- 
trated solution of Soda, heating to 338 F. ; 170 C, solution and treatment 
with Hydrochloric Acid. After being agitated with Sodium Chloride, digested 
with Calcium Chloride, it is distilled between 336 and 374 F.; 168. 8° and 
190 C., and crystallized.] 

Characters. — Colorless, [interlaced or separate, needle-shaped crystals, 
or a white crystalline mass, sometimes acquiring a reddish tint, having a some- 
what aromatic odor, and, when copiously diluted with water, a sweetish taste 
with a slightly burning after-taste. Treated with about 5 per cent, of water, it 
becomes fluid ; the crystals are very hygroscopic, and hence soon become semi- 
fluid on exposure to air ; it has a faintly acid reaction and coagulates albumin. 
Solubility. — Slowly in about 15 to 20 parts of water;] freely in Alcohol, fats 
and oils. [Solution in water is more easily made if an equal part of Glycerin 
is added.] 

Dose, yi to 1 gr. ; [.03 to .06 gm.] 

Preparations, 

1. Unguentum Acidi Carbolici.— [Ointment of Carbolic Acid. 
Carbolic Acid, 5 ; Ointment, 95. 

2. Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici. — Glycerite of Carbolic Acid. 
Carbolic Acid, 20; Glycerin, 80. 

Dose, 2 to 5 m. ; .12 to .30 c.c] 

Action of Carbolic Acid. 
External. — Carbolic acid is a powerful antizymotic, 
rapidly destroying organized ferments, both animal and vegeta- 



308 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



ble. Consequently it destroys those of septic diseases, hence it 
is antiseptic. It thus prevents the formation of the products of 
the decompositions which are set up by these organisms. For 
this reason it is disinfectant, and as the products of decompo- 
sition are generally foul-smelling, it is deodorant. It does not 
act so readily on unorganized ferments (enzymes), such as pepsin 
and ptyalin, but in large doses it likewise destroys their activity. 
Carbolic acid is not so powerful an antizymotic as [corrosive 
mercuric] chloride (see p. 203) ; for Evans found that anthrax 
spores were not killed in twenty-four hours by a solution of 1 in 
100, but were killed by a solution of 1 in 20 acting for twenty- 
four hours, but not when it acted for only four hours. The bacilli 
of anthrax were killed by a solution of 1 in 100 acting for five min- 
utes, 1 in 150 acting for a quarter of an hour, 1 in 175 acting for 
half an hour, but were unaffected by a solution of 1 in 150 act- 
ing for one minute, 1 in 175 acting for a quarter of an hour, 1 
in 300 acting for an hour. Strengths of 1 in 40 and 1 in 20 are 
commonly employed in surgery. The solution in oil has no 
antiseptic properties. The power of carbolic acid to destroy 
low organisms makes it an efficient parasiticide against certain 
vegetable parasites infesting the skin. 

When applied to the skin in weak or moderately strong solu 
tions, it produces local anaesthesia with a feeling of numb- 
ness which lasts some hours. If concentrated, it acts as an 
irritant and caustic, causing a burning pain, and in a few 
minutes a white spot appears, which becomes red when the acid 
is removed. If the application is prolonged, a white eschar or 
slough results. There is no vesication. 

Internal. — Gastrointestinal tract. — If concentrated, car- 
bolic acid produces the same effect on the mouth as on the skin, 
and is a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant (see Toxicology). In 
the stomach it is converted into a sulphocarbolate, and unless 
poisonous doses be given, it is so diluted by the gastric contents 
that it loses its antizymotic power. 

Blood. — It is not known in what form carbolic acid circulates, 
probably as an alkaline carbolate. 

Circulation. — Medicinal doses have no effect. Large doses 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 309 

paralyze the vaso-motor centre in the medulla, and the blood- 
pressure falls. It is not until very large doses have been given 
that the heart is affected, and then its activity is depressed. 

Respiration. — Small doses have no influence on respiration, 
but large ones accelerate it, probably from stimulation of the 
vagi. Ultimately respiration is paralyzed, and death results. 

Temperature. — This is unaffected by small doses of carbolic 
acid, but large doses cause it to fall, because they diminish the 
production of heat and increase its dissipation. 

Nervous system. — Carbolic acid is a cerebral depressant in 
large doses, for coma is produced by them ; they first stimulate 
the anterior cornua, producing convulsions, but subsequently 
depress them, causing paralysis. 

Urine — Much interest attaches to this, for even after moder- 
ate doses of carbolic acid, or absorption from surgical dressings, 
the urine may become dark. This is not due to blood, as 
was once thought, for Stevenson has shown that there is no 
increase of iron in the urine. After taking carbolic acid, salts of 
sulphocarbolic acid, and glycuronic acid, pyrocatechin and hydro- 
quinone appear in the urine. The last two are oxidation products 
of carbolic acid. Pyrocatechin is a dark-colored body, and is, 
no doubt, often the cause of the dark urine; but this cannot be 
the sole cause, for pyrocatechin can only exist in alkaline urine. 
The presence in the urine of these results of carbolic acid is 
recognized by distilling them over from it. The distillate gives 
a blue color with neutral ferric chloride, and a white crystalline 
precipitate of tribromophenol with bromine water, showing the 
presence of sulphocarbolic acid. [The sulphates are usually 
absent. This is determined by the use of the barium chloride 
test which does not precipitate the combined sulphates (sulphocar- 
bolates). (Sonnenberg's test).] Some carbolic acid escapes in 
the other excretions; some is burned up in the body. When very 
large doses are given carbolic acid itself may appear in the urine. 

Therapeutics of Carbolic Acid. 

External. — Carbolic acid is largely used as a deodorant and 
disinfectant for drains, bed-pans, [for which the cheaper crude 



310 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



acid may be employed,] soiled linen, surgical instruments, the 
surgeon's hands, etc. Carbolic lotion (i in 40) is used to wash 
wounds to keep them antiseptic, and carbolized gauze (which is 
bleached cotton gauze medicated with half its weight of a mix- 
ture of carbolic acid, 1, resin; 3, paraffin, 4,) is employed as a 
dressing for the same purpose. A spray of a solution of carbolic 
acid was formerly much used to keep the air around the wound anti- 
septic during an operation, but it is now discarded as unnecessary. 

Glycerite of carbolic acid is a very efficient preparation to 
destroy the fungus of tinea tonsurans or tinea versicolor ; for the 
latter it should be diluted. 

Because of its anaesthetic effect a strong solution (1 in 20) 
will relieve itching from any cause. Carbolized vapor has been 
inhaled in phthisis, but by the time it reaches the lungs it is far 
too dilute to have any action on the tubercle bacilli. 

Internal. — Mouth — The glycerite, if diluted, may be applied 
as a stimulant to the mouth in aphthous stomatitis, or when any 
indolent ulceration is present. A gargle (of [carbolic acid] in 
water, 1 in 120) is an excellent preparation. The glycerite has 
been used for diphtheria, but probably it does no good, except 
that being a local anaesthetic it soothes pain. A piece of" cotton 
soaked in strong carbolic acid will relieve pain if placed in a 
decayed tooth, but care must be taken to prevent it from coming 
in contact with the soft parts by putting another piece of dry 
cotton over it. 

Stomach. — Carbolic acid has been given to relieve flatulence, 
because it was thought that it would prevent decomposition in 
the stomach ; but it is powerless to do this, owing to the degree 
to which the gastric contents dilute it. Some state that it checks 
vomiting and helps to cure dyspepsia, but it is not a remedy which 
is universally regarded as useful for these purposes. It may, how- 
ever, be tried in obstinate cases, and it will sometimes be found 
to be a good carminative. It has been given internally as an 
antiseptic in phthisis, but it does no good, and those who give it 
forget that probably very little carbolic acid reaches the lungs. 
It has been extensively tried in typhoid fever, but without any 
good effect. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 311 

Toxicology. 

If carbolic acid is at all concentrated, immediately on swallowing it 
there is an intense burning sensation in the mouth, [oesophagus] and stomach, 
and white eschars form in the mouth. The patient is collapsed, his skin is cold 
and clammy. The breathing becomes more and more feeble and shallow, and 
finally stops. The urine is darkish green. Reflex movements are abolished, 
and ultimately he becomes insensible and comatose. [Carbolic acid taken by 
the mouth has proven fatal in two minutes.] Post-mortem. — There are white, 
hard sloughs, with perhaps inflammatory redness round them, in the mouth, 
oesophagus, and stomach. The blood is dark and coagulates imperfectly. In 
some cases fatty degeneration of the liver and kidneys may be found. 

Treatment. — Any soluble sulphate, such as an ounce [30. gm.] of magne- 
sium sulphate or half an ounce [15. gm.] of sodium sulphate dissolved in 
half a pint [250. c.c] of water, is the natural antidote, because sulphates and 
carbolic acid form sulphocarbolates in the blood, and these are harmless. 
[Saccharated lime or soap may be used as chemical antidotes.] Before the 
antidote is given, wash out the stomach or use some very quickly-acting 
emetic, as apomorphine [hydrochlorate] given hypodermatically. [It is of the 
utmost importance to immediately] give stimulants freely, such as ether or 
brandy subcutaneously. Apply hot water bottles and blankets if there are any 
signs of collapse. 

III. SODII SULPHOCARBOLAS. 

SODIUM SULPHOCARBOLATE.- [NaS0 3 C 6 H 4 (OH) -f 2 H 2 
=231.56. Synonym. — Sodium Paraphenolsulphonate. 

Source. — Phenolsulphuric Acid is formed by adding Sulphuric Acid to 
crystallized Carbolic Acid; on heating this mixture it becomes Paraphenol- 
sulphuric Acid, which yields a clear solution with water. C 6 H 5 OH -f- H 2 S0 4 
=C 6 H 6 HS0 4 -\- H 2 0. Barium Carbonate is then added, and Barium Sulpho- 
carbolate is precipitated. 2C 6 H 5 HS0 4 -f BaC0 3 = Ba(S0 3 C 6 H 4 (OH)) 2 -f 
H 2 + C0 2 . This is treated with water and Sodium Carbonate ; a solution 
of Sodium Sulphocarbolate is formed, and Barium Carbonate is precipitated. 
Ba(S0 3 C 6 H 4 (OH)) 2 + Na 2 C0 3 = 2NaS0 3 C 6 H 4 (OH) -f- BaC0 3 . The solu- 
tion is evaporated to crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, rhombic prisms, odorless and hav- 
ing a cooling, saline, slightly bitter taste. Solubility. — In 4.8 parts of water ; 
in 132 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sodium Sulphocarbolate. 
This substance is antiseptic, like carbolic acid, and may be 
used externally for this purpose. Internally it is occasionally 
given in the hope of controlling gastric fermentation. 



312 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



ZINCI SULPHOCARBOLAS. 






IV. ZINC SULPHOCARBOLATE. — [B. P., not official.] 
Zn(C 6 H 5 S0 4 ) 2 + H 2 0=[ 44 8.62]. 

Source. — Sulphocarbolic Acid is formed by adding Sulphuric Acid to 
Carbolic Acid. This is treated with Zinc Oxide ; the Zinc Sulphocarbolate 
crystallizes out on evaporation. 

Characters. — Colorless crystals, freely soluble in water. 

Action and Therapeutics of Zinc Sulphocarbolate. 

Zinc sulphocarbolate is, like carbolic acid, an antiseptic, and 
may be used externally for that purpose. [It is used as an astrin- 
gent for indolent or foul ulcers, and in subacute inflammations of 
mucous membrane, in solutions which are somewhat stronger than 
those of zinc sulphate.] It is not given internally. 

V. CREOSOTUM. 
CREOSOTE. 

Source. — [A mixture of Phenols, chiefly Guaiacol (C 7 H 8 2 ) and Creosol 
(C 8 H 10 O 2 ) obtained during the distillation of wood tar preferably of that derived 
from the beech, Fagus Sylvatica Linne (nat. ord, Cupuliferce.) 

Characters. — An almost colorless, slightly yellowish or pinkish, highly 
refractive, oily liquid, having a penetrating smoky odor, and a burning caustic 
taste, usually becoming darker in tint on exposure to light. Sp. gr. not below 
I.070. Solubility. — In 150 parts of water; freely in Alcohol, Ether, Chloro- 
form and glacial Acetic Acid.] 

Impurity. — Carbolic Acid [which coagulates albumin and collodion. 
Creosote does not]. 

Incompatible. — Explodes when mixed with Silver oxide. 

Dose, 1)4 to 2 m. ; .03 to .12 c.c. 

Preparation. 

Aqua Creosoti. — Creosote Water. Creosote, 10 ; distilled water, 
990. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Creosote. 

Creosote has the same action as carbolic acid, and before that 
was introduced, creosote was used externally as a stimulating an- 
tiseptic, a parasiticide and a slight local anaesthetic ; and inter- 
nally it was given for vomiting and flatulence. An aching tooth 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 313 

may be relieved if it is plugged with cotton" thoroughly moistened 
in creasote. [The most important use of creosote is as a pul- 
monary antiseptic, administered by the mouth, hypodermatically, 
or by inhalation. To Bouchard and Gimbert belongs the credit 
of introducing the use of creosote in cases of tuberculosis. It can 
be administered in the form of an emulsion with cod-liver oil and 
acacia; or with the hypophosphites and cod-liver oil; or with 
the syrup of wild cherry and acacia, two minims ; 12 c c ; of the 
creosote being contained in a drachm; 4 c.c. of the emulsion, 
or in a mixture of glycerin and whiskey. The dose should be 
one-half to two minims; .03 to .12 c.c, given thrice daily, and 
increased to twenty to twenty-five minims; 1.20 to 1.50 c.c. in 
the twenty-four hours, by easy stages. Administered in the form 
of enteric pills (which will dissolve only in the intestinal fluids), 
a daily dosage of forty-five to fifty minims ; 3.00 to 3.30 c.c. can 
be reached without inconvenience. This method is preferable to 
that of Sommerbrodt, which consists in the administration of one 
minim ; .06 c.c. of creosote in two minims ; 12 c.c. of cod-liver 
oil, in capsules. The method of hypodermatic injection in ster- 
ilized olive oil requires a special apparatus, is very tedious, some- 
what painful, and altogether irksome to patient and physician. 
By inhalation it is employed with equal parts of alcohol and spirit 
of chloroform, or in alcohol, one part to eight, in a perforated 
zinc inhaler, of which 15 minims ; 1. c.c, are placed upon a bit 
of cotton and used for fifteen minutes in every hour. If the best 
beechwood creosote is employed, no untoward results are likely 
to be obtained. If the dose is increased too rapidly there may 
occur some nausea, epigastric uneasiness, and even vomiting. Dis- 
turbance of the kidneys has been feared, but beyond an occa- 
sional pain in the back no other symptoms have been noticed, 
and chemical and microscopical examination of the urine has 
revealed nothing unusual. The stomach symptoms have been 
relieved by the patient placing himself upon his back, for half an 
hour after administration of the remedy. It is quite likely that 
the patient acquires a tolerance, for the daily dose of three hun- 
dred minims; 20. c.c has been given for a considerable time 
with benefit, although fifty minims; 3.30 c.c. should be con- 



314 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



sidered as the maximum daily dose. Creosote is more efficient 
than either of its principal constituents, guaiacol or creosol, even 
if given in proportionate dose. 

Creosote carbonate (not official) which contains 92 per cent, of 
creosote, does not possess the caustic and irritative properties of 
the pure creosote, and can be administered in dose of from 15 to 
60 m. ; 1. to 4. c.c., in a wineglass of sherry after meals. As it is 
slowly absorbed it is probable that it is eliminated in greater part 
by the bronchial mucous membrane. It is the method of choice 
in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.] 



VI. [GUAIACOLUM. 
GUAIACOL. (Not official. )— C 6 H 4 OHOCH 3 . 



:2 3-7 I -J Synonym.— 



Methyl Pyrocatechin. [A liquid constituting from 60 to 90 per cent, of Creosote, 
which is mainly composed of this and Creosol. 

Source. — By fractional distillation of Beech-wood Tar; treated with 
Ammonia to remove acid compounds, and then again fractionated. 

Characters. — A colorless, highly refractive liquid, of a strongly aromatic 
odor. Sp. gr., 1.117. Solubility. — Very slightly in water, readily in Alcohol 
and Ether. 

Dose, 2 to 10. m. : .12 to .60 c.c. 



VII. GUAIACOLI BENZOAS. 

GUAIACOL BENZOATE. (Not official.)— C 6 H 4 OHC 6 HC 5 O a = 

203.49. Synonyms. — Benzosol. ^Benzoyl Guaiacol. 

Source. — This is prepared by adding to an alcoholic solution of Guaiacol, 
Potassium Hydroxide, forming Potassium Guaiacol, which is heated in a 
water-batn with Benzoyl Chloride. Benzoyl Guaiacol is formed and purified 
by recrystallization from Alcohol. 

Characters. — A colorless, odorless and tasteless crystalline powder. 
Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water ; readily soluble in Ether and Chloroform. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

VIII. GUAIACOLI CARBONAS. 
GUAIACOL CARBONATE. (Not official.)— (C 6 H 4 OCH 3 ) 2 C0 2 = 

257.39. 

Source. — By passing Phosgene gas (COCl 2 ) into Guaiacol, previously 
dissolved in a Soda solution. The Carbonate is obtained by crystallization. 

Characters. — A white, neutral crystalline powder, almost odorless and 
tasteless. Solubility. — Insoluble in water; soluble in Ether and Chloroform. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 315 



IX. GUAIACOLI SALICYLAS. 

GUAIACOL SALICYLATE. (Not official.)— C 6 H 4 OHC0 2 C 6 H 4 - 
OCH 3 =-2 43 .42. 

Source. — By the action of Phosphorus Oxy chloride on a mixture of 
Sodium Guaiacol and Salicylate. 

Characters. — A white crystalline, odorless and tasteless powder. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water; soluble in Alcohol, Ether and Chloroform. 

Dose, 5 to 30 tii. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action and Uses of Guaiacol. 

External. — Guaiacol is antiseptic. If painted on the skin 
over an area of from 4 to 20 square inches [10. to 50. sq. cm.], 
it reduces a febrile temperature and causes much sweating. 

Internal. — [It is less likely than creosote to irritate the intes- 
tinal canal and kidneys. Benzosol was introduced as a nearly 
tasteless combination for the administration of guaiacol. In the 
digestive tract it splits up into guaiacol and benzoic acid. As an 
intestinal disinfectant it has proved to be of service in the treat- 
ment of diabetes mellitus. The carbonate and salicylate have been 
used as substitutes for guaiacol, and are in many cases preferable 
to it. Guaicol especially as the carbonate] has been much given 
in phthisis, for it is believed to aid the destruction of the bacilli 
in the lungs, but although widely used there is no [absolutely] 
certain evidence that it [does this. The carbonate has given excel- 
lent results in the treatment of typhoid fever in limiting the de- 
composition in the intestines]. 

X. CREOLINUM. 

CREOLIN. (Not official). — A solution of the higher homologues of 
Phenol. 

[Source. — Creolin is derived from coal by dry distillation, and consists 
of a mixture of the sodium salts of some resinous acids with Creolin Oil and 
Pyridines. 

Characters. — A dark brown, syrupy alkaline liquid. It forms a turbid, 
milky mixture with water, which has the characteristic, rather pleasant, odor 
of the preparation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. \ 



316 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Action and Uses of Creolin. 

Creolin is a non-irritating but powerful antiseptic, frequently 
used in place of carbolic acid. It is used pure, in 2 per cent, 
solution, in an ointment or as a soap, 10 per cent. It has been 
given internally in gastric fermentation, dysentery and typhoid 
fever.] Toxic symptoms are known, [but they are rarely encoun- 
tered.] 

XI. LYSOLUM. 

LYSOL,. (Not official.) — [A substance containing about 50 per cent, of 
Cresol. 

Source. — From tar oil by dissolving in fat and saponifying with Alcohol. 

Characters. — A brown, oily-looking clear liquid, with a feeble aromatic 
odor. Solubility. — Soluble in all proportions in water (forming a clear, froth- 
ing, saponaceous liquid), in Alcohol, Chloroform and Glycerin. 

Action and Uses of Lysol. 

Lysol is an antiseptic, about one-eight as poisonous as car- 
bolic acid, and even less poisonous than creolin, used in from 
one-half to two per cent, aqueous solution. The literature is 
extensive and generally favorable.] Izal is a coal tar derivative 
[chiefly used in England, possessing similar properties and used 
for the same purposes.] 

XII. IODOFORMUM. 

IODOFORM.— CHT 3 [=:392.56.] 

Source. — Heat together Alcohol, Iodine, Potassium Bicarbonate, and 
water. C 2 H 6 0-f-4l+ 2 KHC0 3 ^2CHI 3 +2KI-f 3H 2 0-f-2C0 2 . 

Characters. — Small [lemon-yellow, lustrous crystals of the hexagonal 
system, having a peculiar, very penerating and persistent odor somewhat 
resembling that of Saffron and Iodine, and an unpleasant, slightly sweetish, 
and Iodine-like taste. Solubility. — Very slightly in water; soluble in 52 parts 
of Alcohol ; freely in fixed and Volatile Oils, Ether and Chloroform] It con- 
tains more than 90 [generally 96] per cent, of Iodine. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; [.06 to .20 gm.] 



Preparation. 



Unguentum Iodoformi 
Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 



-[Iodoform Ointment. Iodoform, 10; 



carbon and its compounds. 317 

Action of Iodoform. 
External. — Iodoform is antiseptic and disinfectant, if 

we may judge by the results obtained in clinical practice ; but 
the experimental evidence that it has no power to hinder the 
development of Staphylococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, and 
other micro-organisms, is very strong, for all, except one or two 
experimenters state that it has no antiseptic properties. The 
reason for these discrepancies is this : Iodoform only acts as an 
antiseptic after its decomposition, which results in the liberation 
of free iodine. The fats always present in tissues dissolve it. 
When dissolved it is easily decomposed by many agents, such as 
light, oxygen, living cells, or ptomaines, which would have no 
effect on it if it were undissolved. By one or more of these it is, 
when dissolved after [having been] dusted upon a wound, slowly 
decomposed. Iodine is thus set free rapidly enough to act as an 
antiseptic, but not rapidly enough to act as an irritant. 

Internal. — Not much is known about the internal action of 
iodoform. It is eliminated in all the secretions, but chiefly in 
the urine, as iodine, iodides, and iodates. They may be found 
in the urine for three days after administration of iodoform. 

Therapeutics of Iodoform. 

External. — Iodoform is much used as a local stimulant, 
antiseptic and disinfectant. The clinical testimony as to its value 
is overwhelming. [Before using, since iodoform itself, as above 
explained, is not antiseptic, it must be disinfected by washing in 
a i to 2000 solution of corrosive mercuric chloride and preserved 
while damp, in closed, sterile jars.] 

Its anaesthetic influence diminishes the pain, if there is any, 
of the sores to which it is applied. It is an excellent application 
for all sorts of ulcers, sores and wounds, but especially for tuber- 
culous and syphilitic ulcerations. Iodoform powder is usually 
[dusted] upon them. Wounds are often painted with a solution 
of it in collodion. This is an excellent application. Mixed 
with bismuth subnitrate, it is useful as an insufflation for ozsena, 
ulcers of the mouth and throat, and tuberculous ulcers of the 
larynx. It has been used in the form of a bougie for the urethra. 



318 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



The suppository [B. P., each 3 gr.; .20 gm., in 12 gr.; .80 gm. of 

oil of theobroma] is useful in painful conditions of the rectum. 

It is occasionally employed for pruritus, and to relieve the pain 

of neuralgia. Many attempts have been made to get rid of its 

odor ; the best way is to dissolve it in volatile oil of camphor or 

balsam of Peru, or to add musk or creolin (2 per cent ) to it. 

[Some believe that the odor of iodoform is preferable to that 

of musk. By keeping a Tonka bean or ground roasted coffee 

with it, the odor is lessened.] 

Internal. — Iodoform has not been found to be of any use 

internally. It has been tried unsuccessfully in phthisis and many 

other conditions. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — Curious symptoms, often severe and sometimes ending in 
death, are occasionally observed after the application of iodoform to a raw sur- 
face. They are a quick pulse, gastro-intestinal irritation, fever, rapid collapse, mel- 
ancholia, hallucinations, dilated pupils, extensive erythema and perhaps eczema. 
These symptoms vary much in severity, and it is rare for more than two or 
three of them to be present at once. Fatty degeneration of the liver and 
muscles may occur. 

[Treatment."] — Stimulants, diaphoretics and sponging the skin with warm 
water are recommended. 

XIII. [ARISTOLUM.] 

ARISTOL. (Not official). — [C 20 H 24 O 2 I 2 = 548.38. Synonyms.— 
Dithymoldiiodide. Annidalin. 

Source. — It is prepared by the decomposition of a solution of Iodine in 
Potassium Iodide, by Thymol dissolved in a solution of Sodium Hydroxide. The 
precipitate is washed with water and dried. It contains 45 per cent, of Iodine. 

Characters. — An amorphous brownish-red, almost tasteless powder, of 
a slight, peculiar, iodine-like odor. Solubility. — Insoluble in water and 
Glycerin ; soluble in Ether and Chloroform ; with difficulty soluble in Alcohol ; 
it is readily taken up by fixed oils and Petrolatum. 

Action and Uses of Aristol. 
It is used for the same purposes as is iodoform in various 
skin diseases, as lupus, psoriasis and for tertiary syphilis, both in 
ointment, lanolin, flexible collodion and as a powder. It has the 
very great advantage of being nearly free from odor. In surgery 
when dusted upon serous membranes it tends to prevent their 
adhesion. 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 310 

XIV. IODOLUM. 

IODOL. (Not official). —C 4 T 4 NH— 569.01. Synonym.— Tetraiodopyrrol. 

Source. — From the interaction of Iodine and Pyrrol in Alcoholic solu- 
tion. It contains 88 per cent, of Iodine. 

Characters. — A pale-yellow, bulky powder, odorless and tasteless. 
It becomes dark in color on exposure to light. Solubility. — Insoluble in 
water; soluble in Alcohol, Ether and fixed oils. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 3 gr. ; .03 to .20 gm. 

Action and Uses of Iodol. 

Iodol was introduced as an antiseptic iodine compound, and is 

used for the same purpose as iodoform, for which it is a frequent 

substitute. It has been administered internally as a substitute 

for potassium iodide. 

XV, EUROPHEN. 

EUROPHEN. (Not official.) — Synonym. — Diisobutylorthocresol iodide. 
— C 22 H 29 2 I=450.79. This should be distinguished from Europhin. 

Source. It is prepared in the same way as is Aristol except that Isobutyl- 
orthocresol is used in place of Thymol. It contains 27 per cent, of Iodine. 

Characters. — It is an amorphous, golden-yellow powder of a slightly 
saffron-like odor. Solubility. — In Alcohol, Ether, and in about 4 parts of Olive 
Oil ; insoluble in water or Glycerin. 

Action and Uses of Europhen. 
Europhen is permanent when dry, but when moistened splits 
up into iodine and a new soluble iodine compound. It is a 
powerful germicide and bactericide, and is used for wounds and 
for like purposes as is iodoform, and in the same quantities. 

XVI. NAPHTALINUM. 

NAPHTALIN.— C 10 H 8 =I27.7. Synonym. — Naphtalene. 

Source. — A Hydrocarbon obtained from Coal Tar by distillation between 
356 and 482 F. ; 180 and 250 C. The impure Naphtalin is treated suc- 
cessively with Sodium Hydroxide and Sulphuric Acid, and is purified by dis- 
tillation in the presence of steam, and by treating with concentrated Sulphuric 
Acid and distilling. 

Characters. — Colorless, shining, transparent laminae, having a strong, 
characteristic odor resembling that of Coal Tar, and a burning aromatic taste ; 
slowly volatilized on exposure to air. Solubility. — Insoluble in water; soluble 
in 15 parts of Alcohol, very soluble in Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, 
and fixed or Volatile Oils. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm. 



320 



INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Action and Uses of Naphtalin. 

Since naphtalin is not absorbed by the system, it acts only 
upon the mucous membrane of the bowels. It is a true intestinal 
antiseptic, and is of great value in -dysentery, and in catarrhal, 
typhoid and tuberculous diarrhcea, where it markedly lessens or 
entirely abolishes the foetor of the movements. It has also been 
used as a vermifuge. Success in the treatment of dysentery usually 
requires a daily dose of from one to two drachms; 4. to 8. gm., 
best admisistered in starch wafers with oil of bergamot. 



XVII. NAPHTOL. 






NAPHTOL. — C 10 H 7 OH = 143.66. Synonym. — Beta-Naphtol. A 
phenol occurring in Coal Tar, but usually prepared artificially from Naphtalin. 

SOURCE. — Concentrated Sulphuric Acid is allowed to act on Naphtalin, 
whereby /^-Naphtalin Sulphonic Acid is formed (C 10 H 7 HSO 3 ). This acid is 
dissolved in water, saturated with Milk of Lime, and the resulting Calcium 
Salt separated by crystallization. The crystals are redissolved in water and 
decomposed by Sodium Carbonate, yielding Sodium Naphtalin-Sulphonate 
(C 10 H 7 SO 3 Na). The Sodium Salt is next added to fused Sodium Hydroxide 
and Sodium-Naphtol C 10 H ? ONa, and Sodium Sulphite NaS0 3 is formed. The 
former is treated with Hydrochloric Acid and Naphtol is obtained, which is 
purified by sublimation and recrystallization from hot water. 

Characters. — Colorless, or pale buff- colored, shining, crystalline laminse, 
or a white, or yellowish white, crystalline powder, having a faint, phenol -like 
odor, and a sharp and pungent but not persistent taste. Solubility. — In about 
1000 parts of water, and in 0.75 part of Alcohol; very soluble in Ether, 
Chloroform or solutions of caustic alkalies. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm. 

Action and Uses of Naphtol. 

Naphtol was introduced as an antiseptic, at first in dermato- 
logical practice as a 10 per cent, ointment, in scabies, ringworm 
and psoriasis ; it is, however, irritating in eczema. It is a remedy 
of great value in obtaining intestinal antisepsis, bacteriological 
investigations showing that it destroys certain micro-organisms, 
in situ when administered to the extent of 40 gr. ; 2.70 gm. per 
day. As it is irritating to the stomach it can be administered in 
keratin-coated pills. 






CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 321 

XVIII. ASAPROLUM. 

ASAPROL. (Not official). — (C 10 H 6 OHSO 3 ) 2 Ca+3H 2 O = 53S.S3. 
Synonym. — Calcium Beta-naphtol alpha-monosulphonate. 

Source. — By action of free Sulphuric Acid on Beta-Naphtol, neutralizing 
this product with Calcium Carbonate, concentration and crystallization. 

Characters. — A colorless, or yellowish -white, crystalline powder, of a 
slightly bitter taste, becoming darker on exposure to light. Solubility, — In 1.5 
parts of water; in 3 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Asaprol. 

Asaprol is an useful, soluble and safe antiseptic. It is valuable 
in epidemic influenza, relieving the pain and reducing the fever, 
not giving rise to prostration nor interference with the heart or 
respiration. In atonic dyspepsia, when fermentation alternates 
with acid eructations, it has achieved brilliant results. Since it is 
not irritating to the alimentary mucous membranes, it can advan- 
tageously replace naphtol. In chronic rheumatism it will relieve 
the pain of an acute exacerbation. In acute rheumatism, al- 
though it does not present the disadvantages of the salicylates, it 
is not so useful, nor so uniformly successful.] 

XIX. RESORCINUM. 
RESORCIN.— [C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 =ioq.74. Synonyms. — Resorcinol. Meta- 

dioxybenzol. 

Source. — This is a diatomic phenol obtained by heating Benzene with 
fuming Sulphuric Acid, whereby Benzene Metadisulphonic Acid is formed 
(C 6 H 4 (HS0 3 ) 2 ). The acid is dissolved in water, neutralized with Milk of Lime, 
the Calcium Sulphate expressed, Sodium Carbonate added, filtered and the fil- 
trate evaporated to dryness. The residue is then heated with Caustic Soda 
and Sodium Resorcin (C 6 H 4 (ONa) 2 ) is formed ; continuous boiling expels the 
Sulphurous Acid, and the residue is extracted with Ether and impure Resorcin 
obtained by distillation. This is purified by sublimation or recrystallization 
from water. 

Characters. — Colorless or faintly reddish, needle shaped crystals or 
rhombic plates, having a faint, peculiar odor, and a disagreeable, sweetish and 
afterwards pungent taste, acquiring a reddish or brownish lint by exposure to 
light and air. Solubility. — In 0.6 part of waier, and in 0.5 part of Alcohol; 
also readily soluble in Ether or Glycerin ; very slightly soluble in Chloroform, 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; .12 to .30 gm.] 
21 



322 inorganic materia medica. 

Action and Uses of Resorcin. 

This substance, originally introduced as an antipyretic, is 
now rarely employed for this purpose, as it is too depressant to 
the heart. A solution of resorcin in glycerin, i to 4, is excel- 
lent for removing epidermic scales in chronic skin diseases, and 
also for getting rid of the [scales] in seborrhcea sicca of the scalp ; 
[here it doubtless inhibits the action of the bacteria which may be 
the cause of dandruff.] It is a powerful antiseptic, and a 5 per 
cent, solution may be injected into the bladder in cystitis. [It 
is of great value in fermentative dyspepsia when administered, 
well diluted, one hour after ingestion of food. Dark colored 
urine often described as smoky, is sometimes seen after large 

doses. 

XX. FORMALDEHYDUM. 

FORMALDEHYDE. (Not official).— CH 2 0=29. 93. Synonyms.— 
Formal. Formic Aldehyde. A gas soluble in water. The solution, known as 
Formalin contains about 40 per cent, of the gas. 

Source. — It is obtained by the oxidation of methylic alcohol at a moder- 
ately high temperature or by passing the vapor over red-hot metal. 

Characters. — The solution of Formaldehyde is colorless, having a 
peculiar odor and an irritative taste. Solubility. — Readily in water and in 
Alcohol. 

Action and Therapeutics of Formaldehyde. 
Formaldehyde is a powerful disinfectant. It hardens the skin 
and is irritant to the respiratory mucous membranes. It is used 
as a preservative for anatomical specimens and as a fixing agent 
in histological work. As a germicide it is about equal to corrosive 
mercuric chloride, and as a disinfectant can be employed for 
large rooms, when volatilized in a special lamp. The penetrating 
power of the gas depends largely upon the conditions of moisture, 
although under favorable circumstances it may be considerable. 
If the micro-organisms are exposed they will be destroyed within 
a half hour by a quart; 960 c.c , volatilized in a room fifteen 
feet square, and ten feet in height ; if protected, within an 
hour and a half. Small animals accidentally confined in rooms 
undergoing this process rarely survive, when it is properly carried 
out (Harrington). 



CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS. 323 



XXI. SACCHARINUM. 



SACCHARIN. (B. P., not official).— C 6 H 4 COS0 2 NH= 168.65. Syn- 
onyms. — Glusidum, B. P.] Benzoyl-sulphonic-imide. Glucusimide. Gluside. 

Source. — It is derived from Toluene, C 6 H 5 CH 3 a derivative of coal tar, 
by a complicated process. 

Characters. — A light, white, crystalline powder. In solution it has an 
intensely sweet taste; 1 of Saccharin is equal to 300 of cane sugar. Solubility. 
-In 400 parts of cold water ; in 28 parts of boiling water ; in 500 parts of 
Chloroform; in 30 parts of Alcohol; in 48 parts of Glycerin. It unites with 
alkaline hydrates and carbonates, evolving from the latter Carbon [dioxide], 
and yields soluble Saccharin, which has lost none of its sweetness, and is very 
soluble in water. 

Impurities. — Commercial Saccharin is not a pure or uniform product ; it 
often contains less than 50 per cent, of actual Saccharin. 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Saccharin. 

[Saccharin] is an antiseptic, but it is not used as such, [ex- 
cepting in the surgery of the bladder.] It is employed as a 
sweetening agent, when from any cause, as in diabetes 
[mellitus], sugar cannot be taken. It may be given in tablets, 
or with sodium carbonate to form soluble solutions. An elixir 
is prepared, containing also sodium bicarbonate, alcohol and 
water. The strength is i to 160, and the dose is 5 to 20 
minims; [.30 to 1.20 c.c. 

XXII. METHYLENE BLUE. 

METHYLENE BLUE. (Not official.)— Synonym.— Tetramelhyl- 
thionin chloride. C 16 N ]8 N 3 SCl=3i8.o,o. 

Source. — By treating dimethylparaphenylenediamine (NH 2 C 6 H 4 N 
(CH 3 ) 2 ) in an acid solution with Hydrogen Sulphide and Ferric Chloride. 

Characters. — In small, blue, scaly crystals, with a copper-bronze tinge. 
Solubility. — Readily in water. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Action and Uses of Methylene Blue. 

Methylene blue (not to be confounded with methyl blue) has 
been introduced into medicine as antiseptic. It has been used 
for rheumatism of the joints and muscles. Lately it has been 
given for intermittent fevers, but the reports show that it possesses 



324 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

no advantage over quinine excepting that it is tasteless and may- 
be substituted for it if it can not be taken or it has been unsuc- 
cessfully used. Recent reports indicate that even when given 
internally it causes gonococci to rapidly disappear from the urine 
in specific urethritis. As to its effects upon inoperable neoplasms 
when injected into them clinical reports differ widely. It im- 
parts a blue color to nerve substance and a like color to the urine. 
It may produce irritation at the neck of the bladder, which about 
30 gr. ; 2 gm. of powdered nutmeg is said to relieve. 

XXIII. PIPERAZINUM. 

PIPERAZINE. (Not official.)— C 4 H 10 N 2 =85. 9. Synonyms— Prperazi- 
dine. Diethylenediamine. Dispermine. 

(This drug is antiseptic only so far as its clearing the urine of pathological 
products prevents decomposition. It is placed here for convenience.) 

Source. — By the action of Ammonia on Ethylene Chloride. The mixture 
of bases is fractionated, and from the fraction boiling between 266 F. ; 130 
C, and 356 F. ; 180 C, Piperazine separates on cooling. 

Characters. — It occurs in colorless, well-defined, acicular crystals, 
readily soluble in water. In cold, aqueous solutions, it will dissolve twelve 
times as much Uric Acid as will Lithium Carbonate. 

Dose, 8 to 15 gr. ; .50 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Piperazine. 

Piperazine is believed to slightly increase the amount of urea in 
the urine, while the uric acid co-efficient is diminished. The testi- 
mony as to its diuretic action is conflicting, but the weight of clini- 
cal evidence is in favor of its being a reliable diuretic. In ordinary 
doses it does not appear to have any influence upon the nervous, 
circulatory nor respiratory systems, nor does it irritate the gastro- 
intestinal nor the genito-urinary tract. There is much clinical 
testimony as to the value of this drug in gout, goutiness (uric- 
acidsemia) and rheumatism. It is here given in water containing 
carbon dioxide. It is so highly hygroscopic that it cannot be 
administered as pill or powder.] 



Part II.— ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Section I.— PHARMACOPCEIAL SUBSTANCES DERIVED FROM 
THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 

The drugs comprehended in this section may be arranged in many ways; 
but there are objections to each. Inasmuch as the medical student should be 
well acquainted with the actions of these drugs in health and disease, those 
which act similarly will be grouped together. In Appendix I a list of these 
drugs, arranged according to their Natural Orders, will be found, 

GROUP I. 

Vegetable Drugs acting chiefly on the Nervous System. 

These may be classified as follows : 
Class I. — Acting on the cerebrum. 

A. Cerebral depressants or soporifics : 

Opium, Hops, [Lactucarium, Pellotine]. 

B. Cerebral excitants : 

Belladonna. ) Also act on nerve endings 
Stramonium. I in glands and involuntary 
Hyoscyamus. ) muscle. 
Cannabis Indica. 
Caffeine, [Guarana.] 

Class II. — Acting on the spinal cord. 

A. Exciting the cells of the anterior cornua. [Nux Vomica,] 

Strychnine. 

B. Depressing the cells of the anterior cornua. Calabar bean, 

[Muscarine], Gelsemium. 

Class III. — Acting on the nerves. 

A. Depressing the motor nerves. Conium, Tobacco, [Curare]. 

B. Depressing the sensory nerves. [Coca], Cocaine. 

C. Stimulating the secretory nerves. Pilocarpus. 

Class I.— DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE CEREBRUM. 

[A. Cerebral Depressants or Soporifics.] 

OPIUM. 
OPIUM. — [The concrete, milky exudation obtained by incising the 
unripe capsules of Papaver S07imiferum Linne (nat. ord. Papaveracece)^ and 

325 



Deliriants - 



326 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

yielding, in its normal, moist condition, not less than 9 per cent, of crystallized 
morphine, when assayed. Habitat. — Western Asia; cultivated.] 

Characters. — [In irregular or subglobular cakes, with the remnants of 
poppy leaves and fruits of a species of Rumex adhering to the surface ; plastic, 
or of a harder consistence; chestnut -brown or darker, and somewhat shining; 
internally showing some tears and fragments of vegetable tissue. It has a 
sharp, narcotic odor, and a peculiar, bitter taste.] 

Varieties. — The above is the official opium ; but the following are met 
with in commerce, and may be used to prepare the alkaloids : [a) Constanti- 
nople Opium, small lenticular masses, % to ^ lb. [120. to 240. gm.] in weight, 
and enclosed in a poppy leaf, but without the Rumex seeds. Sometimes the 
terms Turkey and Levant Opium include this. (<5) Egyptian Opium. Flat, 
more or less circular cakes, two or three in. [5. to 7.5 cm.] in diameter, 
reddish hue internally, covered with a leaf externally. 

Composition. — (1) Alkaloids. — At least [nineteen] in number. Most 
are combined with Meconic Acid, some with Sulphuric Acid, and some are 
free. Some Morphine Salts, and Codeine are official. These two alkaloids 
and Narceine and Thebaine are important. The following are the alkaloids 
existing in Opium : 

Morphine [(2.5 to 22.8 per cent.).] Hydrocotarnine 1 

Codeine [(0.2 to 0.7 per cent.).] Laudanine 

Thebaine [(0.15 to I per cent. •.] Laudanosine 

Narcotine [(1.3 to 10 per cent.).] Meconidine I j- in minute quarit ity.] 

Narceine [(o. I to 0.7 per cent.).] Rhceadine 

Papaverine [(i per cent.).] Codamine 

Pseudomorphine [(0.2 per cent).]. Gnoscopine 

Protopine -v Lanthropine J 

Oxynarcotine L [in minute quantity.] [Deuteropine (not known in pure state).] 

Cryptopine ) 

(Narcotine is [more properly] called Anarcotine). [Apomorphine is an 
artificial alkaloid]. 

(2 ) Neutral bodies. — Two in number : 

Meconin. Meconoiasin. 

(3) Organic acids. — Two in number. 

Meconic Acid, [official in B. P.] Thebolactic Acid. 

(4) Water, [about"] 16 per cent. 

(5) Mucilage, resin [pectin,] glucose, fats, essential oil, caoutchouc, odor- 
ous substances, and ammonium, calcium and magnesium salts. 

The following analysis shows how specimens vary: 

Patna Opium 3.98 per cent, of Morphine, 6.36 per cent, of Anarcotine. 

Smyrna " 8.27 " " 1.94 " 

Impurities. — Water, stones, fruits, leaves, starch, [gum, and lead balls.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 327 

Incompatibles. — Ferric chloride gives a deep red color (due to Meconic 
Acid.) Zinc, copper and arsenic salts, silver nitrate, lead acetate and subacetate, 
give precipitates of meconates, sulphates and coloring matters. All tannin-con- 
taining preparations precipitate codeine tannate. Fixed alkalies, their car- 
bonates and ammonia precipitate morphine and [a]narcotine. The small 
amount of glucose in opium may cause it to explode when made into a pill with 
silver nitrate. 

Dose, ^ to 2 gr. ; [.015 to .12 gm.] 

[OPII PULVIS. — Powdered Opium. Opium dried at a temperature 
not exceeding 185 F. ; 85 C, and reduced to a very fine powder. 

Powdered Opium, for pharmaceutical or medicinal purposes, when assayed, 
should yield not less than 13 nor more than 15 per cent, of Crystallized Mor- 
phine. Any Powdered Opium of a higher percentage may be brought within 
these limits by admixture with Powdered Opium of a lower percentage, in 
proper proportions. 

Dose, % to 2 gr. ; .015 to .12 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Opii. — Extract of Opium. Powdered Opium. 
100; Distilled Water, 1000; Sugar of Milk, a sufficient quantity; by 
trituration, filtration and evaporation. 

Dose, l /& to 1 gr. ; .008 to .06 gm. 

2. Emplastrum Opii. — Opium Plaster. Extract of Opium, 60 ; 
Burgundy Pitch, 180; Lead Plaster, 780; water, 80. 

3. Trochisci Glycyrrhizae et Opii. — Troches of Glycyrrhiza and 
Opium. Extract of Glycyrrhiza, 15; Powdered Opium, 0.5; Acacia, 
12; Sugar, 20 gm. ; Oil of Anise, 0.2 c.c. To make ioo troches. Each 
troche contains about ^ gr. ; .005 gm., of Opium. 

Dose, 1 to 4 troches. 

4. Vinum Opii. — Wine of Opium. Synonym, — Sydenham's 
Laudanum. Powdered Opium, 100; Cassia Cinnamon, 10; Cloves 
10; Alcohol, 150; White Wine to 1000; by maceration and filtration. 

Dose, 3 to 20 m, ; .20 to 1.20 c.c. 

5. Pilulse Opii. — Pills of Opium. Powdered Opium, 6.5 ; Soap, 
2 gm. To make 100 pills. Each pill contains I gr. ; .06 gm., 
of Opium. 

Dose, 1 to 2 pills. 

6. Pulvis Ipecacuanhae et Opii. — Powder of Ipecac and Opium. 
Synonym. — Dover's Powder. Powdered Opium, 10; Ipecac, 10; 
Sugar of Milk, 80. 

Dose, 3 to 15 gr. ; .20 to 1.00 gm. 



328 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

7. Acetum Opii. — Vinegar of Opium. Syononym. — Black Drop. 
Powdered Opium, 100; Nutmeg, 30; Sugar, 200; Diluted Acetic Acid 
to 1 000 ; by maceration and percolation. 

Dose, 3 to 20 m. ; .20 to 1.20 c.c. 

8. Tinctura Opii. — Tincture of Opium. Synonym. — Laudanum, 
Powdered Opium, 100; Alcohol, 400; Waterloo; Diluted Alcohol to 
1000; by maceration with Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50; and 
percolation. 

Dose, 3 to 20 m.; .20 to 1 20 c.c. 

g. Tinctura Opii Camphorata. — Camphorated Tincture of 
Opium. Synonym. — Paregoric. Powdered Opium, 4 ; Benzoic Acid, 
4; Camphor, 4; Oil of Anise, 4; Glycerin, 4; Diluted Alcohol to 
1000, by maceration and percolation. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

10. Opium Deodoratum. — Deodorized Opium. Synonym. — 
Opium Denarcotisatum. Powdered Opium (containing 13 to 15 per 
cent, of Morphine), 100; macerated with Ether, 700; the clear solution 
poured off, and macerated twice with Ether, 350. The residue is dried 
and mixed with Sugar of Milk by trituration to weigh 100 parts. 

Dose, X to 2 S r - > - OI 5 to - 12 S m - 

11. Tinctura Opii Deodorati. — Tincture of Deodorized Opium. 
Powdered Opium, 100; Ether, 200; Alcohol, 200; Water to 1000. 
By maceration with Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50 ; by percola- 
tion and evaporation. 

Dose, 3 to 20 m.; .20 to 1.20 c.c. 

12. Tinctura Ipecacuanha et Opii- -Tincture of Ipecac and 
Opium. Tincture of Deodorized Opium, 1000; Fluid Extract of Ipe- 
cac, 100; Diluted Alcohol to 1000. By evaporation and filtration. 

Dose, 3 to 15 m. ; .20 to 1.00 c.c] 

It will be noticed that from [Extract of Opium there is prepared Emplas- 
trum Opii, and from the Deodorized Tincture, Tinctura Ipecacuanhas et Opii. 

The following non-official preparations are sometimes used: — Liquor 
Opii Sedativus (Battley's solution), which is about 50 per cent, stronger than 
Laudanum, and Acetum Opii Crocatum (black drop), four times as strong as 
Laudanum.] 

The following list, in which the doses are arranged, may assist the 
student ; 



1/J 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 329 

Name. Dose. 

— [Extraction Opii ^ to I gr. ; [.008 to .06 gm.] 

— Pulvis Opii V T/ , „ r „ . n 

y A to 2 § r - ; [- oi 5 to - 12 g m -] 



-Opium Deodoratum 
— Pulvis Ipecacuanhas et Opii . 3 to 15 gr. ; [.20 to 1. 00 gm.] 
— Tinctura Ipecac et Opii] . . . 3 to 15 m. ; [.20 to 1. 00 c.c.] 

■ — Vinum Opii ] 

— Tinctura Opii 

n- r\ •• r\ J s ^ ^ to 20 HI .; T.20 to 1.20 C.C.I 

— [Tmctura Opii Deodorati . . j ° ' L J 

— Acetum Opii J 

— Tinctura Opii Camphorata . . I to 4 fl. dr. ; [4. to 1.5. c.c.] 

— Pilulae Opii I to 2 pills. 

— Trochisci Glycyrrhizse et Opii] I to 4 troches. 

— Emplastrum Opii Externally. 

ACIDUM MECONICUM.— Meconic Acid. [B. P., not official.] 
H 3 C,H0 7 = [199.51.] 

Source. — Calcium Meconate, which is precipitated in the manufacture 
of Morphine Hydrochlorate, is placed in hot water and treated with Hydro- 
chloric Acid. On cooling, Meconic Acid crystallizes out. 

Characters, — Almost colorless, micaceous crystals. Solubility. — In 
150 parts of water ; in 45 parts of [Alcohol]; it is decomposed by boiling 
water. 

Preparation [B.„P. , not official]. 

Liquor Morphinae Bimeconatis. — [Solution of Morphine Bime- 
conate.] Morphine is precipitated by Ammonia from a solution of the 
hydrochlorate. It is dissolved in water, Alcohol and Meconic Acid, 
Strength, 1 in 80. 

Dose, 5 to 40 m.; [.30 to 2.50 c.c] 

MORPHINA.— [Morphine. C 17 H 19 N0 3 + ^0=302.34. 

Source. — An Alkaloid obtained from Opium. Opium is macerated with 
distilled water, and strained, the infusion is evaporated and filtered. To the 
filtrate Alcohol and Water of Ammonia are added, and the Morphine crystal- 
lizes out. To purify the crystals, they are boiled with Alcohol, the solution 
filtered, when hot, through Animal Charcoal, and set aside to crystallize. 

Characters. — Colorless or white, shining prismatic crystals, or fine 
needles, or a crystalline powder, having a bitter taste. Solubility. — In 4350 
parts of water. 

Dose, y % lo% gr. ; .008 to .015 gm.] 

MORPHINE HYDROCHLORAS. — [Morphine Hydrochlorate. 
C 17 H 19 N0 3 HC1+3H 2 0=374.63.] 

Source. — (i) Take a cold concentrated watery solution of Opium, pre- 



330 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

cipitate the Meconic acid and resins with Calcium Chloride. The solution 
contains Morphine Hydrochlorate. (3) Evaporate the solution till it is solid, 
press to remove coloring matter, exhaust with boiling water, filter, and again 
evaporate and press; repeat this till the solution is nearly colorless. (3) Com- 
plete the decolorization by digesting with Charcoal. (4) Precipitate the 
Morphine with Ammonia and wash. (5) Dissolve in Hydrochloric Acid and 
crystallize out. 

Characters. — White feathery [needles of a silky lustre, or minute, 
cubical crystals, having a bitter taste. Solubility. — In 24 parts of water; in 
62 of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Lead, iron, copper, mercury and zinc salts ; alkaline 
carbonates; lime water; liquor potassii arsenitis ; all substances containing 
tannin. 

\_Morphine Hydrochlorate is used in Tinctura Chloroformi et Morphinse. 
{See p. 274.)] 

Dose, yi to X g f - ; [- oo8 to - OI 5 g m -] 

MORPHINE ACET AS. —Morphine Acetate. C 17 H 19 N0 3 C 2 H 4 2 4- 
3 H 2 0=[398.i2.] 

Source. — Morphine is precipitated with Ammonia from a solution of the 
Hydrochlorate. It is dissolved in Acetic Acid and water, and the solution is 
evaporated. 

Characters. — A white, [or faintly yellowish-white, crystalline or amor- 
phous powder, having a faint, acetous odor, and a bitter taste. Solubility. — 
In 2.5 parts of water; in 47.6 parts of Alcohol.] Many specimens are not so 
soluble as this. The use of this salt is diminishing as it is unstable. 

Dose, y s to X g r - ; [-°° 8 to - OI 5 g m -] 

MORPHINE SULPHAS. — Morphine Sulphate. (C 17 H 19 N0 3 ) 2 
H 2 S(Vh5H 2 0=[756. 3 8. 

Source. — Morphine is dissolved in boiling distilled water ; diluted Sul- 
phuric Acid is added to neutralization, and on cooling the Sulphate appears 
in crystals. 

Characters. — White, feathery, acicular crystals of a silky lustre, and 
having a bitter taste. Solubility. — Tn 2 parts of water; sparingly in Alcohol. 

Dose, y% to X gr. ; .008 to .015 gm. 

Prep a rations . 

1. Pulvis Morphinse Compositus.— Compound Powder of 
Morphine. Synonym. — Tully's Powder. Morphine Sulphate, I ; 
Camphor, 19; Glycyrrhiza, 20; precipitated Calcium Carbonate, 20 : 
Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. By trituration. 

Dose, 5. to 15. gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 331 

2. Trochisci Morphinae et Ipecacuanhae. — Troches of Mor- 
phine and Ipecac. Morphine Sulphate, 0.16; Ipecac, 0.50; Sugar, 
65 gm.; Oil of Gaultheria, 0.2 c c; Mucilage of Tragacanth, a sufficient 
quantity to make 100 troches. Strength. — About ^ gr.; .0016 gm. of 
Morphine in each. 

Dose, 1 to 5 Troches.] 

Action of Opium. 

The action and uses of opium are due almost entirely to its 
morphine, and therefore they may be studied together. Codeine 
[and other alkaloids will be considered on p. 340. Meconicacid 
appears to be nearly free from physiological properties ] 

External. — Opium probably has no action when applied to 
the unbroken skin, but it has been said to be slightly anodyne. 
It can be absorbed from and relieve the pain of raw surfaces. 

Internal. —Alimentary canal. — Opium diminishes all the 
secretions of the body except the sweat. The mouth conse- 
quently becomes dry, and the patient feels thirsty, but after a 
small dose not markedly so. This effect is partly due to the 
direct action of the opium on the mouth, but to a less extent to 
its influence exerted after it has been absorbed. In the stomach 
and intestines, by the same double action, the secretion of the 
gastric and intestinal juices is diminished. The drug also para- 
lyzes the peristaltic movements of the stomach and intestines. 
This is due to its action on the nervous or muscular structures in 
the wall of the intestine itself. The result of the diminution of 
secretion and peristalsis is that opium appeases hunger, often 
causes indigestion, almost always gives rise to constipation, 
and if vomiting or diarrhoea is present, it may prevent it. These 
actions are also in part due to its general sedative influence on 
the nervous system. If pain exists in the abdomen or elsewhere, 
opium is a powerful anodyne. Most of it is absorbed, but 
rather slowly. If injected subcutaneously it is excreted into the 
stomach. With some persons it causes vomiting. 

Blood. — Morphine for the most part circulates in the blood as 
such, and is excreted by the kidneys, but a small part of it is 
destroyed in the liver. The fate of the other alkaloids is not 



332 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

known, nor are we aware of any direct action of any of the 
constituents of opium on the blood itself. 

Circulation — In an ordinary healthy man small doses of 
opium do not affect the heart or vessels. Large doses first increase 
and then diminish the action of the heart, which finally stops in 
diastole. These effects can be produced by applying the drug to 
the organ; it therefore directly affects either the cardiac muscle 
or the nerves in it. But this local action is augmented by the 
less important influence of opium on the vagal centre ; this is at 
'first stimulated, and about the time at which the heart itself is 
depressed, so that both these actions make the pulse slow. 
Just before death the vagus is depressed, but the heart itself is by 
that time so feeble that the pulse is not quickened. Patients 
rarely die from the effect of opium on the heart and its nervous 
apparatus, this being much less important than the influence on 
respiration. 

The vaso-motor system is not affected till towards the end of 
the symptoms due to toxic doses ; then the vessels dilate from the 
action of the drug on the vaso-motor centres in the medulla and 
cord. 

Respiration. — Opium is a direct poison to the respiratory 
centre. Breathing therefore becomes difficult, and death takes 
place from asphyxia. 

Nervous system. — Brain. — The higher faculties are at first 
excited even by small doses. In a few persons there is no inco- 
ordination in this excitement. The intellectual power and men- 
tal vigor are increased, and therefore the drug is taken by some 
people to enable them to do their mental work. Usually, how- 
ever, the excitation does not affect the mind evenly; generally 
the imagination is powerfully and pleasantly excited, much more 
so than the faculties of reason and judgment, which are a little 
dulled. The expression on the face is one of happiness and 
comfort, and this corresponds with the condition of the mind, 
which is in a state of peace, calm and happiness. This is soon 
succeeded by sleep, which is accompanied by pleasant dreams, 
generally of an impossible nature. With some persons, however, 
the sleep is quite dreamless. This, which is the beginning of the 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 333 

depression of the highest centres, is soon followed by depression 
of the others, the higher being influenced before the lower, so 
that soon the sleeper does not respond to any sound, light, or 
cutaneous stimulation, nor does he feel pain. It is this last 
fact that makes the drug so invaluable. The dose requisite to 
annul pain depends, of course, upon the severity of it. If a large 
amount is given, often there is no primary excitement, and then 
the first symptom that opium has been taken is drowsiness. On 
waking from sleep induced by opium some persons feel quite 
well, but usually there is a little languor, headache, and nausea. 
Opium-eaters take it for its stimulant effect. It is given medi- 
cinally as a hypnotic and anodyne. The pupil is contracted ; 
this is due to the effect of the drug on the pupillary centre in the 
floor of the aqueduct of Sylvius. In man, just as the stimulation 
of the intellectual centres is brief, so is that of the cerebral motor 
centres — in fact, it is often difficult to detect any evidence of it. 
Their subsequent depression is never so marked as that of the 
intellectual faculties ; for although there is languor and muscular 
weakness, and the patient always lies down, yet he can be walked 
about if he is supported. Vomiting is occasionally caused by 
transient irritation of the vomiting centre, but soon it is de- 
pressed, and therefore emetics do not act well in cases of opium 
poisoning. 

The motor cells of the spinal cord are at first slightly stim- 
ulated, and consequently reflex excitability is exaggerated ; but 
they are soon depressed, and it is difficult to obtain reflex 
movements. 

The excitability of motor and sensory nerves is, perhaps, a 
little increased at first, but in the latter stages of opium poisoning 
they are depressed, the sensory before the motor. The muscles 
remain irritable to the last. 

Opium, in its action on the nervous system, illustrates the 
common fact that functions at first stimulated by a drug are 
usually subsequently paralyzed by it; and it affords an excellent 
example of the law of dissolution, for higher functions, such as 
the intellectual and imaginative, are first affected ; motion is then 
disordered ; next the pupillary centre, and then the medullary 



334 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



centres, for respiration and cardiac action are implicated. The 
spinal cord is influenced to a less degree, the nerves very slightly, 
and the muscles not at all. 

In. man the peculiarities of the action of morphine are its 
predominating influence on the higher mental functions, and the 
slight affection of the motor and the vaso-motor centres, the cord, 
the nerves, and the muscles. In frogs morphine produces violent 
convulsions, because its predominating action is to stimulate the 
spinal cord. Birds are peculiarly insusceptible to morphine. 
Mammals are for the most part affected in the same way as 
man ; dogs and rabbits require large doses to produce symp- 
toms, and with cats morphine is a violent convulsant. 

Kidneys. — Sometimes opium slightly increases, sometimes it 
slightly decreases, the urinary flow. 

Skin. — Opium is a mild diaphoretic. It may cause itching. 

Metabolism. — If the person taking opium has glycosuria, the 
amount of sugar he passes in the urine is diminished. General 
metabolism appears to be decreased also, for it is stated that the 
amounts of uric acid and carbon [dioxide] excreted are lessened, 
bat some experimenters contradict this statement. 

Temperature. — Large doses depress this, probably from the 
effect of the drug upon the thermogenetic nerve centres. 

Peculiarities. — There are few drugs which have such different 
effects upon different people. The above description states the 
manner in which most human beings are affected ; but in some 
the stage of excitation is very evident, so that they become deli- 
rious and cannot sleep. In others, vomiting and indigestion are 
very marked Some of these peculiarities are due, no doubt, to 
the varying composition of opium. Children are easily poisoned 
by it, and therefore only small doses should be administered 
to them ; women are more readily affected than men. Persons 
who take it habitually soon tolerate enormous quantities. It 
may produce an erythematous eruption on the skin. 

Differences in action between opium and morphine. — (i) Mor- 
phine being more readily absorbed, acts more quickly. It is 
especially suitable for subcutaneous injection ; given in this way 
it acts very rapidly. (2) Opium is more liable to upset the diges- 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 335 

tion and to cause constipation; but this last fact often makes it 
the more valuable in many abdominal diseases. (3) Opium is 
the better diaphoretic. (4) Morphine is more certain in its ac- 
tion as an anodyne and soporific ; possibly this is because of the 
other powerful alkaloids in opium. (5) [It is less convulsant.] 
(6) Opium is stated to act more powerfully in reducing the 
amount of sugar present in the urine in glycosuria. [(7) Opium 
affects the bladder sphincter less. (8) Morphine causes more 
pruritus than opium.] 

Therapeutics of Opium 

External. — Hot fomentations or poultices sprinkled with 
laudanum are often applied to painful parts ; but probably it is 
the heat and not the opium which relieves the pain. Linimentum 
Opii [B. P., tincture of opium and soap linament, equal parts], 
rubbed into the skin diminishes the pain of chronic rheumatism 
and myalgia ; probably in this case the friction is more efficacious 
than the opium. Locally applied to sores and ulcers, it may 
soothe the pain due to them. The ointment of nutgall and opium 
[B. P., powdered opium, 1 ; gall ointment, 16;] will often relieve 
the pain of piles and anal fissures, especially if a mild laxative is 
given by the mouth. [The warm decoction of the white poppy 
is used in England as an anodyne fomentation. Poppy capsules 
(Papaveris Capsular, B. P.) are obtained. from the Papaver som- 
niferum (nat. ord. Pafiaveracecz) which is cultivated in England. 
A ten per cent, decoction is made from these and is official in B. 
P. as Decoctum Papaveris. It contains but a small and uncertain 
amount of opium, and its beneficial effects, if any, are doubtless 
due to its warmth.] 

Internal. — Stomach. — Morphine is of great service for the 
pain of gastric ulcer, cancer, or even for simple painful dyspepsia. 
A solution [of morphine in water, 1 in 480 ; dose, 1 fl. dr. ; 
4. c.c] is preferable to opium, as that may aggravate the indi- 
gestion. Morphine is frequently combined with preparations of 
bismuth, and taken immediately before or after meals. Many 
forms of vomiting are relieved by morphine, because it decreases 
pain, peristalsis, and excessive secretion. 



336 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Intestines.— Opium is invaluable for stopping many varieties 
of diarrhoea. If they will yield to any treatment, opium is most 
likely to be successful. Intestinal colic, being due to irregular, 
excessive peristaltic action, is generally relieved by opium, — and, 
indeed, so is abdominal pain of all sorts. In all inflammatory 
conditions of the peritoneum full doses of opium must be given, 
the object being so to paralyze the intestinal movements as to 
prevent the peritoneal surfaces rubbing against each other. 
[This method is quite likely to result in extensive peritoneal 
adhesions.] It is the great mainstay in perityphlitis, acute perito- 
nitis, and after operations or wounds in the abdomen. Opium is 
far preferable to morphine for abdominal cases; if they are 
severe, it must be boldly pushed, the patient being kept just 
drowsy, with slightly contracted pupils; and it often does not 
matter if the bowels are not open for a week, or even more. 
[The more recent and better practice, however, is to keep the 
bowels slightly open by the use of the salines.] 

Heart. — Much skill is required to give opium properly in 
heart disease. The hypodermatic injection of morphine is, on 
the whole, to be preferred to opium. The great indication for it 
is when cardiac pain and distress keep the patient awake. Often 
it acts like a charm, a quiet refreshing sleep being the result of a 
single injection. No doubt it is a cardiac depressant, but we 
have to set against this the exhaustion of pain and insomnia. 
Still, if the patient is very ill, these two factors must be carefully 
balanced. [It is quite probable that in small doses administered 
hypodermatically morphine is a cardiac stimulant.] It likewise 
often relieves the pain of aneurism and intra-thoracic growths. 
Its depressant effect may be to some extent counterbalanced by 
combining belladonna with it. 

Vessels. — Opium is an excellent haemostatic. It is probably 
efficient, after absorption, but its great value is in intestinal haem- 
orrhage, whon it acts partly by stopping peristaltic movements. 
An excellent form in which to give it is the Pilula Plumbi cum 
Opio, [B. P., powdered opium and confection of rose, of each, 
i; lead acetate, 6; dose, 3 to 5 gr.; .20 to .30 gm.] 

Respiration. — It will be remembered that opium depresses 



\ 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 337 

the respiratory centre ; therefore, by diminishing the activity of 
the centre for the reflex act of coughing, it will often alleviate 
the distressing symptoms, but it is only justifiable to give it when 
the irritation which reflexly sets up a cough is irremovable, as in 
intra-thoracic growth or aneurism, or when there is little or no 
lividity and yet the cough is violent, as is often the case in pleu- 
risy. The liability to lividity and asphyxia in many diseases 
attended with cough must never be forgotten. Thus opium is 
quite inadmissible in the last stages of bronchitis and pneumonia, 
and, as a rule, in even the earlier stages of these diseases other 
means of relieving the cough should be tried first; and if opium 
is given, it must be administered with great caution and judg- 
ment. A " linctus opiatus," a favorite remedy, is often given at 
night when a cough keeps the patient awake. It may consist of 
tincture of opium, i ; diluted sulphuric acid, i ; treacle, 15 ; water 
to [30 parts]. The object of the treacle is to soothe the pharynx 
locally. Opium must also be given cautiously for [the relief of 
the symptom] asthma, as there is in this disease a great liability 
to the growth of a permanent opium habit. [Codeine is preferable 
to all other preparations and alkaloids of opium for relief of 
cough in pulmonary diseases]. 

Nervous System — Brain. — It is in its action on this organ 
that the marvellous value of opium is seen, its great function 
being to relieve pain and to produce sleep when that is prevented 
by pain. For these purposes it is best given hypodermatically as 
morphine, for that acts more quickly, more certainly, and is less 
liable to produce indigestion and excitement than opium. It 
would be a long list to give all the diseases the pain of which 
can be relieved by morphine ; cancer and fractures are typical 
instances. Morphine is very valuable for the insomnia of acute 
diseases ; but it should never be prescribed for habitual sleepless- 
ness, for fear the patient should contract the habit of opium 
taking — unless the disease causing the insomnia is incurable, when 
the use of opium is quite justifiable. It should not be given in 
gout, for that is often accompanied by granular kidneys ; nor for 
hysteria, for often it does not relieve hysterical pains, and an 
opium habit may be formed. It is especially useful in renal and 
22 



338 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

biliary colic, and for the after pains of a confinement. In these 
cases it relieves the pain partly from its power as an anodyne, 
and also because by its paralyzing effect on unstriped muscle it 
relaxes the muscular contraction. This property also makes it 
valuable in some cases of spasmodic stricture of the urethra. It 
may be given as a sedative in delirium tremens and some forms 
of mania, but often such large doses are required that its use is 
not justifiable. Patients suffering great pain can take enormous 
doses without any symptoms of poisoning. 

Spinal cord. — It has been used for pains of locomotor ataxia 
and occasionally in convulsive diseases, but without much success. 

Kidneys. — It should always be remembered that morphine is 
excreted with difficulty, if the kidneys are diseased. There are 
several cases recorded in which persons suffering from Bright' s 
disease have been killed by quite small doses of opium. 

Skin. — Combined with ipecacuanha [as in] Dover's powder, 
opium is commonly given as a mild diaphoretic, in cases of slight 
inflammatory disorder, such as a common cold. 

Metabolism. — Opium is administered to persons suffering from 
diabetes, and the amount of sugar in the urine certainly dimin- 
ishes and the patient's general health improves [but, however, 
codeine is preferable.] Opium can, in the opinion of many, 
control all varieties of inflammation, therefore it is given for a 
cold in the head, for cystitis, pleurisy, etc. Occasionally persons 
taking [morphine] suffer from retention of urine. We have indi- 
cated the occasions on which opium and morphine are respectively 
preferable. 

Toxicology. 

Actite poisoning. — There may be slight preliminary excitability; but soon 
drowsiness sets in. This is followed by incapacity for exertion, sleep, and 
finally deep coma. The pupils are minutely contracted. At first the patient 
can be roused ; but soon no stimulation will do this. Reflex action is abol- 
ished. The skin is cold, the face and lips are livid, and toward the end 
bathed in sweat. The pulse is weak and slow. The respiration becomes 
slower and more irregular ; and last it is stertorous, and the patient dies from 
asphyxia. 

Diagnosis of poisoning by Opium. — I. From Alcoholic poisoning. — Often 
very difficult, especially if, as commonly happens, the man poisoned with 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 339 

opium has taken alcohol or had it given to him. The pupils are more con- 
tracted in opium poisoning. The patient is more easily roused in alcohol 
poisoning. Examine the urine for morphine and alcohol. Get a careful his- 
tory. 2. Fro?n cerebral hcemorrhage. — If this is in the pons Varolii, the pupils 
may be very contracted and the diagnosis difficult, but look carefully for local 
paralysis. Usually cerebral haemorrhage takes place into the internal capsule, 
and then the face and the limbs on the opposite side are paralyzed. If the haemor- 
rhage is a small one, and especially if it is in the pons, the temperature may be 
raised ; if it is a very large one, the temperature falls for the first few hours, but 
may rise subsequently. If the pupils are unequal, the case is one of cerebral 
haemorrhage. 3. From Carbolic Acid poisoning, in which there may be coma 
and contracted pupils. The acid produces white patches in the mouth, and the 
odor is characteristic. 4. From Chloroform and Ether pouoning, by the odor 
of the breath and of the vomited matters. 5. From urcemia, by the signs of 
Bright's disease, especially albuminuria. 6. From diabetic coma, by the smell 
of the breath and the glycosuria. 7. From the comatose stage of an epileptic 
fit, by the history, the dilatation of the pupils, and the fact that the lividity 
does not deepen. 8. From the same stage of a fit in general paralysis of the 
insane and other nervous diseases, by the same symptoms. 

Post-mortem. — The appearances after death from Opium poisoning are 
those always found after fatal asphyxia. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach. [This should be repeated at fre- 
quent intervals because the morphine, which has been absorbed, is excreted 
into the stomach.] Give prompt emetics (see p. 132), as apomorphine [hydro- 
chlorate] subcutaneously. Always rouse the patient by walking him about 
flapping him with a towel, pinching him, applying the faradic current, and put- 
ting ammonia to the nose; a pint [500. c. c] of strong coffee should be 
injected into the rectum, -J^ gr. [.003 gm.] of atropine sulphate given subcu- 
taneously, or 30 minims, [2. c. c.] of tincture of belladonna by the mouth, 
repeated every quarter of an hour. [Instances of recovery from opium poison- 
ing followed by death from the belladonna or atropine, used as an antidote, have 
been observed. Great caution must be exercised if this antidote be used, — if 
indeed it should be employed at all.] If the breathing is very difficult, arti- 
ficial respiratiom should be employed. Amyl nitrite inhalations may be used. 
The treatment must be kept up for several hours if necessary. [Potassium 
permanganate, well diluted, has been successfully used in an amount equal to 
that of the alkaloid ingested ; it almost immediately destroys the latter, 
through its chemical action. It is claimed that it can act upon the poison 
when in the blood so that a hypodermatic injection of it even for some hours 
after its ingestion may afford relief. Wood, however, has found, that its hypo- 
dermatic injection does no good in morphine poisoning. The reports have 
been so generally favorable that potassium permanganate should be used 
immediately]. 



340 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Chronic Morphine poisoning. — As many persons administer this drug sub - 
cutaneously to themselves, chronic poisoning is very common. The symptoms 
are that the patient loses all sense of right and wrong, he will lie and thieve 
in the most degrading way, especially if his desire is to obtain the drug, and 
absolutely no statement that he makes can be trusted. He neglects his work, 
and lets his business go to ruin. He wastes and becomes anaemic, he suffers 
from loss of appetite, indigestion, dry mouth, sluggish bowels, and a foul 
tongue. The nails are brittle, the skin is dry, the hair turns gray early, and 
falls out. Then is sexual impotence, no erections take place, no semen is 
secreted, there is amenorrhcea, and the flow of milk is stopped, but there is 
polyuria. The pupils are small, there is loss of muscular power, slight ataxia 
and tremor in severe cases. The arm, [leg, or portions of the body] are 
scarred with marks of the [needle]. Even 30 gr. [1.20 gm.] of morphine 
may be taken each day. 

[Treatment. — ] The patient must be isolated and carefully watched [so] 
that he gets no morphine (he often eludes or bribes his nurse) ; it should be 
diminished gradually, so that at the end of a fortnight he is taking none. If 
it is stopped suddenly there may be serious collapse and wild delirium. 
Relapses are very common, and a complete cure after a relapse is very rare. 
[No reliance can be placed upon any of the advertised cures for the morphine 
habit ; most contain morphine and the remainder are useless. The patient on 
entering an institution for his cure must be most thoroughly and carefully 
searched so that he shall not be possessed of a supply sufficient to keep him 
comfortable during his treatment.] 

Antagonism. 

Atropine. — Atropine \see p. 347] is a valuable antidote to morphine, 
because it powerfully stimulates the respiratory centre. It also stimulates the 
cerebral convolutions and intestinal peristalsis, both depressed by morphine. 
It appears to be antagonistic to opium in other particulars, but is not really so. 
Thus, although it prevents perspiration and dilates the pupil, these effects are 
due to action on the peripheral nerve terminations, while morphine produces 
contrary results by acting on the central nervous system. Still it has been 
found that some of the undesirable effects that may follow the subcutaneous 
injection of morphine, such as indigestion; constipation and cardiac depression, 
may be avoided if T ^ to T l^ gr.; [.0004 to .0006 gm.] of atropine sulphate is 
injected at the same time. 

CODEINA. — Codeine. An alkaloid obtained from Opium. C 18 H 21 
NO,+H s ,0=[3i6. 3 i.] 

Source. — Obtained by evaporating the ammoniacal liquids, remaining 
after the precipitation of Morphine by Ammonia in the preparation of the 
Hydrochlorate, treating the residue with water, precipitation with Caustic Pot- 
ash, and purifying by dissolving in Ether and letting the Codeine crystallize 
out on spontaneous evaporation. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 341 

Characters. — White, or nearly translucent, [orthorhombic prisms, or 
octahedral crystals, having a faintly bitter taste, and slightly efflorescent in 
warm air. Solubility. — In 80 parts of water ; in 3] of Alcohol. 

Dose, y to 2 gr. ; [.015 to .12 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Codeine. 
It may produce tremors because it excites the cord more, and 
depresses the higher faculties less, than morphine. It is used to 
diminish the glycosuria in diabetes, [and as an analgesic. It is 
an excellent substitute for morphine as an ingredient of cough 
mixture. It is usually given as a pill, or in a syrup. 

The following non-official alkaloids are sometimes used : — 

Thebaine. Synonym. — Paramorphine. It is contained in Opium, 0.15 to 
I per cent. It occurs in silvery scales or hard prisms, odorless and having a 
bitterish taste ; soluble in Ether, Alcohol and Chloroform.] This produces 
powerful convulsions as the result of its action on the cord. 

\_Narceine. — It is contained in Opium o.l to 0.7 per cent., and occurs in 
long quadrangular prisms, or white, silky needles, sparingly soluble in Alcohol, 
and in water. It closely resembles morphine in its action, but is probably more 
hypnotic and not so likely to be followed by disagreeable after-effects.] 

Anarcotine. — This is also known as narcotine which is an [improper] 
name, for the drug does not cause sleep. [It is contained in opium 1.3 to 10. 
per cent., the amount varying greatly according to the source]; it is the chief 
constituent of Indian opium. [It exists in Opium in a free state from which it is 
left behind when the drug is treated with water. It crystallizes in white, silky, 
flexible needles which are tasteless and odorless. It is antiperiodic in its action 
and is valuable not only as a preventive, but as well cures malarial fevers.] 

APOMORPHINiE HYDROCHLORAS.— Apomorphine Hydro- 
chlorate. C n H 17 N0 2 HCl[=302.7 9 .] 

Source. — It is the hydrochlorate of an [artificial] Alkaloid obtained by 
heating Morphine in sealed tubes with an excess of Hydrochloric Acid. The 
Morphine loses one molecule of water thus : C 17 H 19 N0 3 =C 17 H 17 N0 2 -f-H 2 0. 

Characters. — [Minute, grayish-white, shining, acicular crystals, hav. 
ing a faintly bitter taste, and acquiring a greenish tint on exposure to light and 
air. Solubility. — In 45 parts of water; in about 45 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 2V to \ gr. ; [.0027 to .01 gm.] hypodermatically, -£$ to T x ^ gr. ; 
[.003 to .006 gm.] by the mouth. 

Action of Apomorphine Hydrochlorate. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Apomorphine is the 



342 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

most powerful emetic we possess. It does not act locally on the 
stomach, but solely on the vomiting centre in the medulla. It 
is therefore an indirect emetic. This is shown by the fact that 
when the drug is injected subcutaneously it produces violent vom- 
iting if the vessels are so tied that none can reach the stomach, 
but not if they are so tied that it cannot reach the medulla. 

Circulation. — Therapeutic doses have no effect beyond the 
depressing action which may be attributed to the vomiting. 
Large doses cause a rise in the rate of the pulse, probably from 
stimulation of the accelerator nerves, and with fatal doses the 
pulse-rate falls, because the drug directly paralyzes the cardiac 
muscle. 

-Respiration. — This is at first stimulated by the act of vomit- 
ing. The effect of poisonous doses is doubtful ; probably they 
depress respiration. [Physiological experiments show that it 
produces a watery discharge from the blood-vessels of the respira- 
tory mucous membrane, which is found to be paler after the 
administration of this remedy, as well as less cedematous. This 
effect is produced within a half hour after ingestion, and it is not 
in any respect the first stages of emesis.] 

Nervous system. — The first result of toxic doses is to cause 
delirium. Finally there is paralysis of the motor nerves, and 
consequently of the muscles. 

Therapeutics of Apomorphine Hydrochlorate. 

Internal. — Vomiting action. — The advantages of apomor- 
phine over the other emetics are that it is certain, prompt, and 
powerful ; it can be given when emetics introduced directly into 
the stomach would not act, and it does not irritate the stomach. 
It is largely used in cases of poisoning. It is usually given hypoder- 
matically, [dissolved in camphor water; i in 50. Dose, 4 to 8 
minims; .25 to .50 c.c. This must be prepared extemporane- 
ously, as it will not keep.] 

Expectorant action. — It is, when given by the mouth, a valu- 
able expectorant for bronchitis. [In an adult J^ gr., .002 gm., 
or 1 dr., 4. c.c., of the syrup {see below) will produce a watery 
expectoration within the time above stated, and this effect will 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE, NERVOUS SYSTEM. 343 

last from two to three hours. It is particularly useful in the 
early stages of acute bronchitis, in chronic dry bronchitis, in 
chronic catarrhal pneumonia, and in old tuberculous patients who 
are harassed by an unproductive cough.] 

The British Pharmaceutical Conference recommends the fol- 
lowing Syrup of Apomorphine : Mix Rectified Spirit, 84 ; with 
the same amount of water ; dissolve in this Apomorphine Hy- 
drochlorate, 1 ; add Diluted Hydrochloric Acid, 24; and finally 
Syrup, 1728 parts. Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. [2. to 4. c.c] The drug 
may also be given as a lozenge. 

HUMULUS. 

HOPS. — The strobiles of Hiwiulus LupuluslAnne. (nat. ord. Urtlcacece). 
[Habitat. — Northern temperate zone ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Ovate, about 3 cm. long, consisting of a thin, hairy, undu- 
lated axis, and many obliquely ovate, membranous scales, in the upper part 
reticulately-veined, and towards the base parallel-veined, glandular, and sur- 
rounding a subglobular achene ; color of the scales greenish, free from red- 
dish or brownish spots; odor, aromatic; taste, bitter, aromatic and slightly 
astringent.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Lupulin. (2) Lupn- 
linic Acid, II per cent., a bitter crystalline principle. (3) Valerol,\ per 
cent., an aromatic volatile oil giving the odor. (4) Resin, 9 to 18 per cent. 
(5) Tannic acid, 3 to 4 per cent. 

[Incompatibles. — Mineral acids, and metallic salts. 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Humuli — Tincture of Hops. Hops, 200 ; by macer- 
ation and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1 000. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

LUPULINUM — Lupulin. A glandular powder, separated from the 
strobiles of Humulus Lupulus Linne (nat. ord. Lrticace<z). 

[Characters — Bright, brownish-yellow, becoming yellowish brown, 
resinous, consisting of minute granules, which, as seen under the microscope, 
are subglobular, or rather hood-shaped, and reticulate; aromatic and bitter.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [ 30 to 2.00 gra. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Lupulini Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Lupulin. 
Lupulin, 1000 ; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol, evapora- 
tion and solution to 1000 parts. 

Dose, 5 lo 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 



344 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Oleoresina Lupulini. — Oleorcsin of Lupulin. Lupulin, loo; 
by percolation with Ether and evaporation. 
Dose, i to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Hops. 
The volatile oil in hops is stomachic and carminative like 
other volatile oils. To a slight extent it reflexly excites the cir- 
culation. The bitter principle aids the stomachic influence. 
Hops are decidedly soporific. Probably it is the volatile oil 
that produces this effect. 

Therapeutics of Hops. 
The pharmacopceial preparations of hops are not much used, 
but good beer, because of the hops contained in it, may with 
some persons aid digestion, and for this purpose is often given 
with meals to those whose digestion is feeble after a long illness, 
or from any other cause. The alcohol in the beer increases this 
effect. Many people find the soporific influence of beer very 
well marked. [Lupulin has been used in nervous tremors, wake- 
fulness and in the delirium of drunkards.] 

LACTUCARIUM. 

[LACTUCARIUM. — The concrete milk-juice of Lactuca vircsa 
Linne (nat. ord. Composites), habitat. — Southern and Central Europe. 

Characters. — In sections of plano-convex, circular cakes, or in irregu- 
lar, angular pieces, externally grayish-brown or dull reddish-brown, internally 
whitish or yellowish, of a waxy lustre; odor heavy, somewhat narcotic ; taste 
bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents of Lactucarium are — (1) Lactu- 
cerin or Lactucone, C 16 H 26 0, about 50 per cent., a crystalline principle. (2) 
Lactucin, C n H 12 3 -J- H 2 0, resembling mannit. (3) Lactucic Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Tinctura Lactucarii. — Tincture of Lactucarium. Lactu- 
carium, 500 ; Glycerin, 250 ; by treatment with Benzin and drying, 
then macerate and percolate with water, and Alcohol; evaporate, filter 
and add diluted Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, ^ to 2 fl. dr. ; 1. to 8. c.c. 

2. Syrupus Lactucarii. — Syrup of Lactucarium. Tincture of 
Lactucarium, loo; Sugar, 50; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50; 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 345 

triturated together with water, filter, dissolve Sugar, 700; and add 
water to 1 000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Lactucarium. 
[Lactucarium has been credited with mild hypnotic powers. 
Large doses of the green extract (B. P.) may cause mental de- 
rangement, and will dilate the pupil.] 

[PELLOTINUM. 

PELLOTINE (Not official).— C 13 H 21 NO s =238.50. An alkaloid ob- 
tained from the Anhalonium Williamsii (nat. ord. Cactacece). Habitat. — Mexico. 

Characters. — The hydrochloride, which is to be found in the shops, 
occurs as a colorless / amorphous, intensely bitter powder. Solubility. — Readily 
in water. 

Dose, ^ to I gr. ; .03 to .06 gm. ( Hypodermatically.) 

Action of Pellotine. 
Slight narcosis follows its injection in from ten to fifteen 
minutes (frogs). The reflexes are somewhat diminished. After 
twenty to thirty minutes there comes a distinct increase of reflex 
irritability, followed by spasms, resembling strychnine poisoning. 
If large doses are administered this condition may pass into one 
of complete paralysis. The pulse rate is slightly diminished, 
drowsiness and sleep supervenes after its administration to man. 
The drug is probably excreted by the kidneys. 

Therapeutics of Pellotine. 
Pellotine has been recently introduced as a hypnotic which, 
because it is unirritating, can be used hypodermatically. It 
slows the pulse slightly, induces a feeling of weariness, weight of 
eyelids and limbs, disinclination to mental and bodily exertion, 
and a quiet sleep follows. The awakening is easy and usually 
without untoward symptoms. In full doses, with the patient in 
an upright position it may give rise to vertigo. It apparently 
has no effect on the secretions.] 

[B. Cerebral Excitants.] 

BELLADONNA. 

BELLADONNA FOLIA.— Belladonna Leaves. [The leaves of 
Atropa Belladonna Linne (nat. ord. Solanacece.) Synonym. — Deadly Night- 
shade. Habitat. — Europe and Asia Minor. 



346 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Leaves from 10 to 15 cm. long, from 5 to 10 cm. broad, 
broadly ovate, equilaterally narrowed into a petiole, tapering at the apex, 
entire on the margin, smooth, thin, the upper surface brownish-green, the 
lower surface grayish-green, both surfaces whitish, punctate; odor slight, 
bitterish, disagreeable.] Resembling Belladonna leaves. — Stramonium leaves, 
more wrinkled; hyoscyamus leaves, hairy. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Atropine [seep. 347), [(2 
so-called Belladonnine, a yellowish powder is probably identical with Hyos- 
cy amine {see p. 358)]. It has been stated that atropine does not exist in Bel- 
ladonna in the natural state, but that it is a conversion product of hyoscyamine, 
which is the natural alkaloid of Belladonna. Atropine, hyoscine, (see p. 358), 
daturine, (see p. 356), duboisine and scopolamine, all derived from atropaceous 
plants, are nearly identical, and exist as malates in the plant. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Belladonnae [Foliorum Alcoholicum. — Alco- 
holic Extract of Belladonna Leaves. By percolation with Alcohol and 
water, and evaporation. 

Alcoholic Extract of Belladonna Leaves is used to make Emplas- 
trum Belladonnae and Unguentum Belladonnae. 
Dose, }i to y 2 gr. ; .008 to .03 gm. 

2. Tinctura Belladonnae Foliorum. — Tincture of Belladonna 
leaves. Belladonna Leaves, 150; Diluted Alcohol, to 1000. By macer- 
ation and percolation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

3. Unguentum Belladonnae. — Belladonna Ointment. Alcoholic 
Extract of Belladonna Leaves, 10 ; Diluted Alcohol, 5; Benzoinated 
Lard, 85. 

4. Emplastrum Belladonnae. — Belladonna Plaster. Alcoholic 
Extract of Belladonna Leaves, 200; Resin Plaster, 400; Soap Plaster, 
400. Melt the plaster on a water-bath; then add the extract of bella- 
donna leaves and continue the heat, stirring constantly, until a homo- 
geneous mass results.] 

BELLADONNA RADIX.— Belladonna Root. The root of Atropa 
Belladonna [Linne (nat. ord. Solanacece). Habitat. — Central and Southern 
Europe, in woods. 

Characters. — In cylindrical, somewhat tapering, longitudinally wrinkled 
pieces, 10 to 25 mm. or more in thickness; externally brownish gray, inter- 
nally whitish; fracture nearly smooth and mealy, not radiating or showing 
medullary rays in the thicker roots, only in the layer near the bark; nearly 
inodorous; taste sweetish, afterwards bitterish and strongly acrid.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 347 

Composition. — As of the leaves. Usually contains 0.2 to 0.6 per cent, 
of Atropine. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Belladonnae [Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract 
of Belladonna Root. By percolation with Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 3 m. ; .06 to .20 c.c. 

2. Linimentum Belladonnas. — Belladonna Liniment. Fluid 
Extract of Belledonna Root, 950; Camphor, 50.] 

ATROPIN A.— Atropine. C 17 H 23 N0 3 [=288.38. An Alkaloid obtained 
from Belladonna, which it contains in .06 to .3 per cent. As it occurs in com- 
merce, it is always accompanied by a small proportion of hyoscyamine ex- 
tracted along with it, from which it cannot be readily separated.] 

Source. — The [B. P.] directs it to be made from the root thus: — (1) 
Make a tincture of the root by maceration and percolation with Alcohol. (2) 
Add slaked lime; this splits up the Atropine Malate, Lime Malate being pre- 
cipitated. (3) Filter, and add Sulphuric Acid to precipitate the excess of 
Lime. (4) Filter, concentrate by distillation, partially evaporate, add Potas- 
sium Carbonate; after six hours much coloring matter is precipitated. (5) 
Filter, add more Potassium Carbonate; this sets free the Atropine. (6) Shake 
up with Chloroform, which takes up the Atropine in solution. (7) Withdraw 
the Chloroform, evaporate, and Atropine is left. It is purified by digestion 
with warm Alcohol and Animal Charcoal. 

Characters. — [White, acicular crystals, or a more or less amorphous, 
white powder, without odor, having a bitter, acrid taste, and gradually assum- 
ing a yellowish tint on exposure to air. Solubility. — In 130 parts of water, 3 
parts of Alcohol, 16 parts of Ether, 4 parts of Chloroform, and about 50 parts 
of Glycerin.] It can be decomposed into Tropine and Tropic Acid, and 
reconstructed by their synthesis. It is distinguished from hyoscyamine by its 
melting-point, optical properties and molecular constitution. 

Incompatible^. — Caustic alkalies decompose it. 

Dose, T i ¥ to ^ gr. ; [.0005 to .001 gm.] 

ATROPINE SULPHAS.— Atropine Sulphate. [(C 17 H 23 N0 3 ) 2 H 2 
S<V=6 4 7.58. 

Source. — Dissolve Atropine in Diluted Sulphuric Acid, treat with Ether, 
the insoluble Sulphate is deposited. 

Characters. — A white, indistinctly crystalline powder, having a very 
bitter nauseating taste. Solubility. — In 0.4 part of water; in 6.2 parts of 
Alcohol.] 

Dose > ih to tr> gr- ; [.0005 to .003 gm.] 



318 organic materia medica. 

Action of Belladonna. 

The action of belladonna and atropine is the same. 

External. — Atropine placed by itself upon the unbroken 
skin cannot be absorbed, but rubbed in with substances which 
are absorbed, such as alcohol, glycerin, camphor, etc., applied 
to a broken surface, it paralyzes the terminations of the sensory 
nerves, especially if pain is present. It is thus a local anaes- 
thetic and an anodyne. These are its chief actions, but to a 
much less extent it locally paralyzes the terminations of the 
motor nerves, first contracts and then dilates the vessels, and 
renders the secretions of the skin less active. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — It will be convenient to 
describe the effects of belladonna on all secretions when speaking 
of its action on nerves, and we need not mention here its influ- 
ence on the muscular coat of the intestine, for that is secondary 
to its action on the nervous system. 

Blood. — Atropine is quickly absorbed, but does not affect the 
blood. Its main action is on the nervous system, and that must 
be considered in detail. 

Secretory nerves. — The activity of the peripheral termina- 
tions of all the secretory nerves in the body is, as far as 
we know, depressed. These nerves fall under the following 
headings : 

(a) Mouth. — Even small doses of atropine make the mouth 
dry from lack of saliva and mucus. In health, secretion of sub- 
maxillary saliva always follows stimulation of the chorda tympani 
nerve, and, as is well known, this is due to the fact that this 
nerve is the secretory nerve for this gland, and not to any vascu- 
lar dilatation. If atropine be given to an animal, stimulation of 
the chorda no longer causes an increased flow of saliva, however 
close to the gland the nerve is excited, the reason being that 
atropine has paralyzed the terminations of the chorda tympani. 
In the same way the terminations of the secretory nerves of the 
other salivary glands and the mucous glands are paralyzed, and 
hence the mouth is dry, because normal impulses cannot reach 
the cells of the glands. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 349 

Stomach, liver, and intestines.— -We do not know what influ- 
ence atropine has on the secretions of these organs. 

Sweat glands. — Atropine paralyzes the terminations of the 
nerves in the sudoriparous glands. Thus it causes the skin to 
become dry. 

Kidtieys.— The effect of atropine on the amount of urine 
secreted is necessarily uncertain, as the urinary flow depends so 
much on the secretion of sweat. 

Bronchial mucous membrane. — The secretion of bronchial 
and tracheal mucus, like that of the mouth, is diminished. 

Mammary gland — The activity of the peripheral terminations 
of the secretory nerves in the cells of the mammary gland is in- 
hibited, hence the flow of milk, if any is present, is arrested, 
and belladonna is called an antigalactagogue. 

Sensory nerves. — It has already been mentioned that bella- 
donna rubbed into the skin depresses the function of the termi- 
nations of the sensory nerves. It does the same when given by 
the mouth, but its action on sensory nerves — that is to say, its 
anaesthetic and anodyne action — is very inferior to that on the 
secretory nerves, and is not powerful enough for atropine to 
relieve pain when given internally. It is only used as a local 
anodyne. 

i/^^Voluntary muscles and their nerves. — Voluntary muscles are 
quite unaffected even by toxic doses of atropine ; towards the end 
of a case of belladonna poisoning the motor nerves are slightly 
paralyzed. 

Involuntary muscles and their nerves. — The splanchnics are 
the inhibitory nerves of the intestinal movements, and if they are 
stimulated, the peristaltic movements stop ; impulses are constantly 
descending these nerves to restrain these movements. If atropine 
in small doses is given to animals, it is observed that the bowels 
are relaxed, because intestinal peristalsis is much increased, 
and that stimulation of the splanchnics is powerless to arrest it : 
clearly the drug has paralyzed the terminations of the splanchnics 
in the involuntary muscles of the intestine. Larger doses stop 
peristalsis. 

Probably the nerve terminations in the muscles of the bladder, 



350 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ureters, urethra, vesiculse serainales, uterus and vagina are affected 
in the same way as those in the intestinal muscles ; but this is not 
yet decided. 

The eye and its nerves. — Atropine acts only on the termina- 
tions of the nerves in the involuntary muscles of the eye. If it 
be dropped into the eye or given by the mouth the pupil dilates 
widely, and cannot be made to contract by stimulation of the 
third nerve. That this dilatation is not due to any action on the 
muscular fibres of the iris themselves is shown by the fact that the 
atropinized pupil will contract if the muscle itself be stimulated. 
Therefore it must be that the terminations of the third nerve 
in the iris are paralyzed. The ending of this nerve in the 
ciliary muscle is affected in the same way, and consequently 
accommodation is paralyzed. It is certain that this mydri- 
asis and defective accommodation is in no part central, as is the 
contraction of the pupil produced by opium. So strong is the 
local action of belladonna that if atropine be dropped into the 
recently excised eye the pupil will dilate. When the third nerve 
is cut the pupil dilates, and if, after this, atropine be dropped 
into the eye it dilates still further. Some have concluded, from 
this and other reasons, that atropine also stimulates the termina- 
tions of the sympathetic in the iris ; but the reasoning is incon- 
clusive, and it is not at present proved that atropine can do this. 
[The pupil dilates because the elastic fibres in the iris have an 
opportunity to act.] The intra-ocular tension is increased by 
large doses. There is, as a result of the paralysis of the ciliary 
muscle, disturbance of vision. Atropine does not act on the 
pupils of birds. 

The heart and its nerves. — The main action of atropine is to 
paralyze the terminations of the vagus in the heart, and 
consequently the pulse is rendered more rapid, and cannot 
be slowed by strongly stimulating the vagus. If the rate of the 
heart has been lowered by muscarin[e], which can be shown to 
have a local stimulating influence on the terminations of the vagus 
in the heart, the application of atropine renders the heart quick 
again, the two drugs being, in their effect on the heart, exactly 
antagonistic. This quickening of the pulse from inhibition of the 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 351 

vagal cardiac terminal filaments is the chief action of atropine on 
the heart, but the following minor actions must be noticed. The 
vagus centre and the trunk of the nerve are also depressed, but 
to a much less extent. Before the pulse is quickened it is occa- 
sionally slowed for a short time by atropine ; this is probably 
owing to a brief excitation of the vagus centre, the vagus nerve, 
and its peripheral cardiac terminations. Some authorities believe 
that part of the quickening of the pulse is due to a slight stimula- 
tion of the cardiac accelerator nerves, just as we have seen that 
some consider that the sympathetic fibres in the iris are excited ; 
but if the accelerator nerves are stimulated, the stimulation is 
quite subsidiary to the important paralysis of the vagal termi- 
nations. Although the pulse is quickened by belladonna, its 
force is not diminished. Toxic doses abolish the function of 
the cardiac muscle, and the heart stops in diastole. 

Vaso-motor system and its nerves. — After a considerable dose 
of belladonna the skin is flushed, and a scarlatiniform erythe- 
matous rash may be present in belladonna poisoning. It is thus 
obvious that such a dose of belladonna relaxes the peripheral 
vessels. The exact cause of this has net definitely been made 
out, but it is extremely probable that it is largely a peripheral 
action, quite harmonizing with the peripheral action we have 
seen atropine to have on the involuntary muscles of the intestines, 
eye and heart ; that is to say, the vaso-constrictor nerve-filaments 
supplying the arterioles are paralyzed, and consequently the ves- 
sels dilate. The action of atropine on the medullary vaso-motor 
centre is more marked than that on the cardiac medullary centre ; 
but it is the same, — the centre first being stimulated, and then 
depressed. The primary stimulation is sufficient to overcome the 
tendency of the peripheral vessels to dilate, so that belladonna at 
first contracts them ; and as this stage of contraction lasts well 
into the period during which, owing to paralysis of the vagal 
terminations, the heart is accelerated, the blood-pressure rises 
considerably; subsequently it falls, the fall being due to the 
depression of the vaso-motor centre and the peripheral action of 
belladonna on the vessels, causing their wide dilatation. Ulti- 
mately, when the heart itself is paralyzed, the blood -pressure is 



352 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

very low. The spinal vaso-motor centres are acted on as power- 
fully and in the same way as the medullary centre. 

Respiration and its nerves. — Here also belladonna paralyzes 
peripheral nerve-filaments, in this case those of the vagus 
in the bronchial tubes. Both the afferent and efferent pulmo- 
nary vagal fibres are affected. The result is that the muscular 
coat of the bronchial tubes is relaxed, and that the secretions 
(the activity of the afferent fibres being depressed) do not irritate 
the nerves so much as before, and therefore cough is lessened. 
It will be remembered that the quantity of bronchial secretion is 
diminished. The medullary and spinal respiratory centres are 
influenced precisely as the vaso-motor, — that is to say, they are 
first stimulated, and so the respirations are quicker and deeper, 
then large doses paralyze them, and the breathing is slow and 
shallow. The patient becomes asphyxiated, and this contributes 
to the result in a fatal case. 

Temperature. — This is decidedly raised by toxic doses of 
belladonna (it may be 4 [F., about 2 C] or more). This rise 
is independent of the blood -pressure and of the diminution of 
perspiration. It is said that heat-production is greatly exaggerated. 
The heat-loss is also increased, probably because the flushing of 
the skin leads to a greater loss by radiation. 

Spinal cord. — Except for the action on the vaso-motor and 
respiratory spinal centres, belladonna has little influence on the 
spinal cord in man, but has a well-marked tetanizing effect in 
frogs. It is said slightly to increase and afterwards diminish 
general reflex excitability. 

Cerebrum. — A considerable dose of belladonna causes delir- 
ium, showing that the higher centres are stimulated. Gener- 
ally the stimulation takes place inco-ordinately. That it is pow- 
erful is indicated by the fact that in poisoning by belladonna 
the delirium will last for a long while. The subsequent quietude 
is not more than the exhaustion of the cerebrum from the con- 
tinued delirium will explain. Belladonna rarely, if ever, pro- 
duces genuine coma. Other symptoms that may be observed with 
large doses, and which are probably due to disorder of the brain, 
are staggering gait, giddiness and occasionally convulsions. . 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 353 

Elimination. — Atropine is probably eliminated entirely by 
the kidneys. 

It will be seen that the dominant action of belladonna is 
to depress the activity of the terminations of nearly all varie- 
ties of nerves. In addition, it first stimulates and then 
depresses the three great medullary centres, and it is a 
deliriant. A summary of its effects on man will be given under 
the heading of Toxicology. 

Children can take considerable doses of belladonna without 
any symptoms of poisoning. Pigeons and rodents are pecu- 
liarly insusceptible to it. 

Therapeutics of Belladonna 

Externally. — Belladonna is used externally to relieve all 
sorts of pain, — for example, that of neuralgia, pleurodynia, and 
chronic osteo-arthritis. The liniment is excellent for these pur- 
poses. A glycerin preparation (made by rubbing [the alcoholic] 
extract of belladonna [leaves], 4; with boiling water, 1; and 
then adding gradually glycerin, 12), soothes the pain of acute 
inflammations. This, or the plaster, or the ointment, is very 
efficacious in preventing the secretion of milk in women who do 
not for any reason nurse their infants. Pruritus and local sweat- 
ing of various parts of the body, especially the feet, may some- 
times be stopped by the application of belladonna. A solution 
of atropine sulphate in camphor water, 1 to 120; will dilate the 
pupil for ophthalmoscopic examination. Atropine is often used 
in ophthalmic practice to paralyze the movements of the iris and 
ciliary muscles, to break down adhesions, and to prevent the 
formation of contractions of the iris. [It must not be used if the 
patient is suffering from glaucoma.] See also Homatropine 
[Hydrobromate, p. 355]. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — [Belladonna] has occasionally 
been employed to check salivation, and some use it to overcome 
constipation and colic. The [alcoholic] extract [of the leaves] 
is then given, and is commonly combined with some purgative 
in a pill. [This] extract in the form of a pill is often administered 
with opium to patients suffering with typhlitis or peritonitis; 
23 



354 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

as it is given several times a day a large amount is taken, and 
this, as already explained, probably paralyzes intestinal move- 
ments, and so aids the opium. 

Skin. — Atropine sulphate ( T £o gr. ; .0006 gm.) injected sub- 
cutaneously, or one or two minims [.06 to .12 c.c] of the solu- 
tion of atropine sulphate [1, in camphor water, 100.], by the 
mouth will sometimes arrest sweating, and this treatment may 
succeed with the night-sweats of phthisis. 

Circulation. — There are many cases of heart disease in which 
belladonna may advantageously be combined with other drugs. 
Whenever we wush to empty the ventricle completely it is useful, 
for it will be remembered that it increases the rapidity of the 
heart without diminishing the force. But its greatest value is to 
remove cardiac pain and distress, which it often does most effec- 
tually. It may be conveniently applied as a plaster over the car- 
diac region, or it may be given internally, usually as the tincture 
[of the leaves]. 

Respiration. — As belladonna relaxes the muscular coat of the 
bronchial tubes, it is of great value in spasmodic affections of the 
respiratory passages. Thus, of all the numerous drugs that have 
been given for whooping-cough, it is the best. It is also very 
useful [to relieve the symptom] asthma, and in bronchitis 
with asthma-like paroxysms; in the last named [condition] its 
powerful stimulation of the respiratory centre and its capability 
of diminishing the secretion will, in properly chosen cases, render 
it particularly valuable. It is generally given as a tincture [of the 
leaves], and combined with other drugs. 

Genito-urinary diseases. — Belladonna is one of the favorite 
remedies for the nocturnal incontinence of children, and it occa- 
sionally overcomes this trouble in adults when it is not due to 
organic diseases. [It relieves eneuresis because it has an anodyne 
effect upon the centers in the cord and when excreted in the 
urine anaesthetizes the neck of the bladder]. Its power of reliev- 
ing the spasm of involuntary muscle is well shown in the effectual 
manner in which the very painful vesical spasm which accompanies 
calculus, cystitis, and prostatitis may be benefited by it. It may 
be given internally as in the form of a suppository, or applied as 
a plaster to the perinaeum. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 355 

It has been tried in many nervous diseases, but without any 

good results. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — If a person takes a moderate dose of belladonna he soon ex- 
periences dryness of the mouth and throat, and as the food, therefore, cannot be 
properly lubricated, there is difficulty of swallowing ; the pulse may at first be a 
little slower than usual. The pupil is dilated; accommodation is defective, and 
vision confused. The skin feels dry. If the dose has been a large one, these 
symptoms all come on quickly; the conjunctivae and face, and perhaps other 
parts of the skin are flushed, and the rate of the pulse is greatly increased, it 
may even be doubled. The patient staggers, feel giddy, and reels when he 
walks; the throat soon becomes very hot, the skin still more flushed, the eye- 
lids swell, and there may be a uniform erythematous rash. The temperature 
is often raised, the respirations are slow and deep. The pupils are very widely 
dilated. By this time the patient is quite delirious. There may be purging, 
but this is not common ; and sometimes he complains of a frequent desire to 
micturate, although he is unable to pass any urine. Death takes place from 
cardiac failure combined with asphyxia. Post-mortem. — The organs are all in 
a state of venous congestion, which is due to the asphyxia. If recovery takes 
place the patient may have no recollection of his illness. 

Treatment. — Give emetics {see p. 132) or wash out the stomach. Inject 
pilocarpine and stimulants subcutaneously. Employ artificial respiration. 

Antagonism. 

The antagonism between atropine and morphine has already been dis- 
cussed [see p. 340). It is clear that as pilocarpine stimulates the terminations 
of the secretory nerves in the salivary and sweat glands, and also excites the 
terminations of the third nerve in the iris and ciliary muscle, it is a diaphoretic, 
a sialagogue, and a myotic, and is in these respects antagonistic to atropine. 
Physosligmine also causes contraction of the pupil and spasm of the ciliary 
muscle by stimulation of the terminations of the third nerve, and it depresses 
the respiratory centre almost from the beginning. In these points it is an 
antagonist to atropine. 

[HOMATROPINiE HYDROBROMAS.— Homatropine Hydro- 
bromate. [B. P., not official.] C 16 H 21 N0 3 HBr.[=355.i7]. The hydrobro- 
mate of an alkaloid prepared from Tropine. Homatropine is really Oxytoluyl- 
tropine. 

Source. — (i) Tropine, C 8 H 15 NO, a derivative of Atropine, is heated with 
Oxytoluic Acid in the presence of Hydrochloric Acid; (2) Ammonia is added, 
and pure Homatropine shaken out with Chloroform; (3) the Chloroformic 
solution is evaporated; (4) the Homatropine is neutralized with Hydrobromic 
Acid. 



356 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Small prismatic white crystals. Solubility. — In io parts 
of water; in 133 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, jig to fa gr. ; [.0005 to .003 gm.] subcutaneously. 

Action and Therapeutics of Homatropine Hydrobromate. 

Homatropine [hydrobromate] has an action exactly similar, 

so far as we know, to that of atropine. It is only used to dilate 

the pupil in ophthalmic practice, the advantage over atropine 

being that the dilatation produced by homatropine passes off in a 

quarter of the time. It may be applied as a solution, [1 in] 

distilled water [120.] To dilate the pupil 30^00 gr. [.0000013 

gm.] is sufficient. Sometimes a solution in castor oil is used, for 

it is less likely to be washed out by the tears, but it may be 

rather irritating. 

STRAMONIUM. 

STRAMONII SEMEN.— Stramonium Seed. [The seed of Datm a 
Stramonium Linne (nat. ord. Solanacea?). Synonyms. — Thorn-apple. Stink- 
weed. Jamestown Weed. Habitat. — Asia; naturalized in most countries. 

Characters. — About 4 mm. long,reniform, flattened, pitted and wrinkled ; 
testa dull, brownish -black, hard, inclosing a cylindrical, curved embryo, im- 
bedded in a whitish, oily perisperm; of an unpleasant odor when bruised, and 
of an oily and bitter taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Daturine (.02 to .03 
per cent.) which resembles Atropine but is closely allied to Hyoscyamine. 
Some specimens are said to be a mixture of Atropine and Hyoscyamine; (2) 
[A fixed oil (25 per cent.), which contains Daturic Acid, C 17 H 34 2 .] 

Incompatibles. - Caustic alkalies, metallic salts, and mineral acids. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; [.06 to .20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Stramonii [Seminis. — Extract of Stramonium 
Seed. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evap- 
oration. 

Extract of Stramonium Seed is used to prepare Unguentum 
Stramonii. 

Dose, X to K S T - 5 - OI 5 to .03 gm. 

2. Extractum Stramonii Seminis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Stramonium Seed. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 3 m. ; .06 to .20 c.c. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 357 

3. Tinctura Stramonii Seminis. — Tincturaof Stramonium Seed. 
Stramonium Seed, 150; Diluted Alcohol, by maceration and percola- 
tion to IOOO. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

4. Unguentum Stramonii. — Stramonium Ointment. Extract of 
Stramonium Seed, 10; Diluted Alcohol, 5 ; Benzoinated Lard, 85.] 

STRAMONII FOLIA. — Stramonium Leaves. The [leaves of Datura 
Stramonium Linne (nat. ord Solanacece). 

Characters. — About 15 cm. long, petiolate, dark-green, smooth, ovate, 
pointed, unequal, especially at the base, coarsely and sinuately toothed; thin, 
brittle, and nearly inodorous; taste unpleasant, bitter and nauseous.] Resem- 
bling Stra?nonium Leaves. — Belladonna leaves, but less wrinkled; hyoscyamus 
leaves, hairy. 

Composition. — As of the seeds; the proportion of Daturine is verv 
inconstant. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Stramonium. 

The physiological action of daturine is precisely that of 
atropine, and therefore that of stramonium is almost the same as 
that of belladonna; the difference being that stramonium relaxes 
the muscular coat of the bronchial tubes more powerfully than 
belladonna, and it may cause the heart to be a little irregular. 
Daturine is generally thought to be more active than atropine. 

Therapeutics of Stramonium. 

There is no reason why stramonium should not be employed 
for the same purposes as belladonna, but it is rarely used, except 
in cases of [the existence of the symptom] asthma, to relieve the 
spasm of the bronchial tubes. For this it is very valuable. 
Cigarettes of the leaves may be smoked, or the drug may be 
given internally. The following powder, which gives off dense 
fumes if burnt, is said to afford great relief for asthma: — Leaves 
of Datura Stramonium, Datura Tatula [not official], Cannabis 
Indica, and Lobelia Inflata, all in powder, of each 12 ; nitre in 
powder, 16; oil of eucalyptus, 1. Mix thoroughly. Himrod's, 
Bliss', and other " cures" for asthma are of similar composi- 
tion. 



358 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



HYOSCYAMUS. 



HYOSCYAMUS. — \_Synonym. — Henbane. The leaves and flowering 
tops of Hyoscyamus Niger Linne (nat. ord. Solanacecz) collected from plants 
of the second year's growth. Habitat. — Europe and Asia; naturalized in 
some parts of North America. 

Characters. — Leaves ovate, or ovate-oblong, up to 25 cm. long and 10 
cm. broad; sinuate-toothed, the teeth large, oblong or triangular; grayish- 
green and, particularly on the lower surface, glandular-hairy ; midrib promi- 
nent; flowers nearly sessile, with an urn-shaped, five-toothed calyx, and a 
light yellow purple-veined corolla; odor heavy, narcotic; taste bitter and 
somewhat acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — ( 1 ) Hyoscyamine, C 17 H 23 N0 3 , 
an alkaloid. It is very closely allied to the active alkaloids of belladonna and 
stramonium {see p. 346) and is also contained in many plants of the natural order 
Solanacecz. It, like Atropine, consists of Tropic Acid and Tropine. There is in 
commerce an amorphous impure Hyoscyamine, which is a dark brown extract- 
like fluid having a disagreeable odor. As it is much cheaper than the crystal- 
line alkaloid, it is often used, [but this as well as other specimens should be 
proscribed.] (2) Hyoscine [see p. 359] a white crystalline alkaloid. It is 
stated to be the same as Scopolamine, an alkaloid isomeric with cocaine. It is 
the active constituent of commercial Hyoscyamine. Only its salts are used. 

Incompatibles. — Vegetable acids, silver nitrate, lead acetate, and 
alkalies. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr.; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Hyoscyami. — [Extract of Hyoscyamus. By 
maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol and evaporation. 

Dose, Yz to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm.] 

2. Extractum Hyoscyami Fluidum.— [Fluid Extract of Hyos- 
cyamus. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m.; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

3. Tinctura Hyoscyami. — [Tincture of Hyoscyamus. Hyoscy- 
amus, 150; diluted Alcohol to 1000. By maceration and percolation. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; 4. to 15. c.c] 

[HYOSCYAMINE SULPHAS. — Hyoscyamine Sulphate. (C 1T 
II 2 3N0 3 ) 2 H 2 S0 4 =r 674.58. The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid prepared 
from Hyoscyamus. 

Source. — Hyoscyamus is treated with Ether, to remove fat, then 
with Alcohol acidulated with Sulphuric Acid and distilled. The aqueous 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 359 

residue is neutralized with Soda, and the liquid precipitated with Tannic acid, 
the precipitate mixed with Lime, then exhausted by strong Alcohol. The Alco- 
holic solution is treated with Sulphuric Acid, then with Soda, and finally with 
Ether, which dissolves the alkaloid, which is obtained from it by distillation. 

Characters. — White, indistinct crystals, or a white powder, withouj- 
odor, and having a bitter, acrid taste ; deliquescent in damp air. Solubility. — 
In 0.5 part of water, and in 2.5 parts of Alcohol; very slightly soluble in 
Ether or Chloroform. 

Dose, gL to j\ gr. ; .001 to .002 gm. 

HYOSCYAMINiE HYDROBROMAS.— Hyoscyamine Hydrobro- 
mate. C 17 H 23 N0 3 HBr=369.i4. The hydrobromate of an alkaloid obtained 
from Hyoscyamus. 

Characters. — A yellowish-white, amorphous, resin-like mass, or pris- 
matic crystals, having, particularly when damp, a tobacco-like odor, and an 
acrid, nauseous, and bitter taste ; deliquescent on exposure to air. Solubility. 
— In about 0.3 part of water, 2 parts of Alcohol, 3000 parts of Ether, or 250 
parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, ¥ X o to -£--$ gr. ; .001 to .002 gm. 

HYOSCINE HYDROBROMAS.— Hyoscine Hydrobromate. C 17 
H 21 N0 4 HBr-|-3H 2 0=436.98. The Hydrobromate of an alkaloid obtained 
from Hyoscyamus. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, rhombic crystals, odorless, and 
having an acrid, slightly bitter taste; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 
1.9 parts of water, and in 13 parts of Alcohol; very slightly soluble in Ether 
or Chloroform. 

Dose, jIq to T l ¥ gr. ; .0004 to .0006 gm.] 

Action of Hyoscyamus 
The action of hyoscyamus is almost identical with that of bel- 
ladonna and stramonium, because of the identity of the hyoscya- 
mine in hyoscyamus, the atropine in belladonna, and the daturine 
in stramonium. The following are the chief points of difference : 
(1) Hyoscyamus contains in addition hyoscine in minute quan- 
tities. This is a powerful cerebral and spinal sedative, and 
therefore the excitation and delirium occasioned by the atropine 
in belladonna are not so evident when hyoscyamus is given ; in- 
deed, that may, owing to the hyoscine in it, distinctly depress 
the higher functions ot the brain. The heart is not quite so 
powerfully affected by hyoscyamus as by belladonna, for hyoscine 
has a comparatively feeble cardiac influence. Still it is, of 



360 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

course, affected by the hyoscy amine, which acts like atropine. 
(2) Hyoscyamus increases the peristaltic contractions 
of the intestines more powerfully than belladonna, and at the 
same time it is more efficient in relieving the griping of other 
purgatives. (3) Hyoscyamus has a more markedly sedative 
action on the urinary unstriped muscle than belladonna. 

Therapeutics of Hyoscyamus. 

Hyoscyamus might be used for the same purpose as bella- 
donna, but is chiefly employed in combination with purgatives to 
diminish their griping action. It is also largely given to relieve 
vesical spasm in calculus, cystitis, and prostatitis, usually in con- 
junction with other urinary sedatives, as buchu, uva ursi, or ben- 
zoic acid if the urine is alkaline. It will be noticed that the 
doses of the preparations of hyoscyamus are larger than those of 
the corresponding preparations of belladonna. 

Hyoscine and hyoscyamine may, if given cautiously, be em- 
ployed as cerebral depressants, and are used in acute mania, de- 
lirium tremens, febrile delirium, and insomnia, sometimes with 
good results. They are mostly given in asylum practice. Chorea, 
paralysis agitans, and other convulsive diseases have been treated 
with them, but the convulsions always recur when these drugs 
are discontinued. 

DUBOISINE SULPHAS.— Duboisine Sulphate. (Not official.) 
The Sulphate of the alkaloid Duboisine obtained from the leaves of Duboisia 
myoporoides, [nat. ord. Solanace<z~\. Duboisine is probably identical with 
Hyoscine (see p. 358). 

Action and Therapeutics of Duboisine. 

The action of duboisine is like that of atropine, and 
ophthalmic discs containing ? oVo of a grain . [.000013 gm.] are 
used to dilate the pupil. 

CANNABIS INDICA. 

[INDIAN CANNABIS.— Synony?n.— Indian Hemp. The flowering 
tops of the female plant of Cannabis sativa Linne (nat. ord. Urticacetz) , grown 
in the East Indies. Habitat. — Asia; collected in India. 

Characters. — Branching, compressed, brittle, about 5 cm. or more long, 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 361 

with a few digitate leaves, having linear-lanceolate leaflets and numerous, 
sheathing, pointed bracts, each containing two small, pistillate flowers, some- 
times with the nearly ripe fruit, the whole more or less agglutinated with a 
resinous exudation. It has a brownish -green color, a peculiar, narcotic color, 
and slightly acrid taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are (i) Cannabinon, [a soft resin. 
(2) Choline, C 5 H 15 N0 2 , which is contained in (3) Tetanocannabine, and with 
alkalies gives (4) Cannabinine. (5) Cannabin, a brown, amorphous resin, 
said to be very active. 

Incompatible. — Water, which precipitates the resin. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Cannabis Indicae. — [Extract of Indian Cannabis. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose. \ to }( gr,; .01 to .045 gm. 

2. Extractum Cannabis Indicae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Indian Cannabis. By maceration, percolation with Alcohol, which is 
distilled off, and evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 5 m. ; .12 to .30 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Cannabis Indicae. — Tinctura of Indian Cannabis. 
Indian Cannabis, 50; Alcohol, by maceration and percolation, to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m.; [.30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Synonyms. — Haschisch is a confection of the drug. Gunjah, or Ganga, is 
the dried flowering tops of the cultivated female plants which are coated with 
resin. Churrus or Charas is the resin scraped off the leaves. Bhang [or 
Siddhi] is the dried leaves [and stalks made with preserved fruits into a con- 
fection]. In some provinces it means powdered Ganga made into a drink. 
Ganga and Charas are often smoked like tobacco. 

Action of Cannabis Indica. 

External. — None is known. 

Internal. — The effects of cannabis indica vary very much 
on different people. This is partly due to the uncertain strength 
of the preparations of the drug, and partly to individual pecu- 
liarities, but generally the symptoms are somewhat as follows. 
After some time, usually from half an hour to two or three hours, 
there is a pleasurable sensation of mild intoxication ; the patient 
is particularly gay, joyous, and pleased with everything; he will 
laugh and smile on the slightest provocation, and is himself able 



362 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

to say sharp, witty things. Pleasant ideas flit through his mind 
with wonderful rapidity, so that time seems to him much [pro- 
longed ; space also seems to be extended]. Generally the ideas 
are quickly forgotten, but sometimes the memory of them re- 
mains after recovery. The eyes are bright, the pupils may be 
dilated. The limbs feel heavy, and there is a marked lowering 
of general sensibility, so that he scarcely feels a severe pinch ; 
this may pass on to complete anaesthesia. There may be head- 
ache. After a time sleep, which is often accompanied by delight- 
ful dreams, comes on. [On awakening the sense of hunger is 
acute.] The drug is frequently taken in the East to produce the 
early pleasurable symptoms, but this habit is said to lead to loss 
of appetite and strength, trembling and much weakness. Can- 
nabis indica is reputed to occasionally produce sexual excite- 
ment, but this is probably incorrect. Large doses given to a dog 
only made him sleepy, and uncertain on his legs, but he appeared 
contented and pleased. Much the same results followed when a 
monkey was made to inhale the smoke daily for six months. 

Therapeutics of Cannabis Indica. 
It has been given with success in migraine and neuralgia, but 
it very often fails to afford relief. Its use as an hypnotic has 
been discarded. The tincture is very difficult to prescribe, be- 
cause of the voluminous precipitate of resin which falls on the 
addition of water. Mucilage must be used to suspend it, and 
the taste should be covered with spirit of chloroform. 

CAFFEINA. 
CAFFEINE. — C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 + H 2 = 211.68. Synonyms. — Theine. 

Guaranine. [A feebly basic, proximate principle, obtained from the dried 
leaves of Thea sinensis Linne (nat. ord. Ternstrcemiacece) , or from the dried 
seed of Coffea arabica Linne (nat. ord. Rubiacece), and found also in other 
plants. Habitat. — Tropical Africa; cultivated in tropical countries. 

Source. — Exhaust bruised coffee by successive portions of boiling water, 
precipitate with Lead Acetate, decompose the excess of Lead Acetate in the 
filtrate by Hydrogen Sulphide, concentrate by evaporation, neutralize with 
Ammonia. The Caffeine crystallizes on cooling, and is purified by redissolving 
in water, treating with Animal Charcoal, and evaporation. 

Characters. — Fleecy masses of long, flexible, white crystals, possessing 



,0 \$ 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 363 

a silky lustre, without odor, having a bitter taste, and permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — In 80 parts of water, 33 parts of Alcohol, 555 parts of Ether, or 
7 parts of Chloroform.] Tea contains 3 to 5 per cent, (hence the name Theine), 
Coffee, 1.3 per cent, (coffee leaves contain much more). Guarana (the seeds of 
Paullinia \_Cupana~]), [4 to] 5 per cent, (hence the name Guaranine). Mate 
(Paraguay tea, the leaves of Ilex paraguayensis), 1.2 per cent. It also exists 
in the kola nut (which is used as a beverage in Africa); this is the fruit of 
Sterculia acuminata. Caffeine is trimethyl-xanthine, theobromine is dimethyl- 
xan thine, and both can be prepared synthetically from xanthine. 

[Strictly speaking Theine is the alkaloid of tea-leaves. It differs from 
caffeine in that it is analgesic and constipates. Much of the caffeine in the 
market is really theine and is made from the sweepings of tea warehouses]. 

Incompatibles. — Potassium iodide, mercury salts, and tannic acid. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr.; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Caffeina Citrata. — Citrated Caffeine. Dissolve Citric Acid, 
50, in hot Distilled Water, 100 ; add the Caffeine, 50, and evaporate the 
resulting solution on a water-bath to dryness, constantly stirring towards 
the end of the operation. Reduce the product to a fine powder. 

Characters. — A white powder, odorless, having a purely acid 
taste and an acid reaction. Solubility. — One part of Citrated Caffeine 
forms a clear, syrupy solution with about 3 parts of water. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr.; .12 to .50 gm. 

2. Caffeina Citrata Effervescens. — Effervescent Citrated Caf- 
feine. Caffeine, 10; Citric Acid, 10; Sodium Bicarbonate, 330; 
Tartaric Acid, 300 ; Sugar, 350; Alcohol, to make 1000. Triturate 
the solid ingredients, separately well dried, to a fine uniform powder. 
Mix this with Alcohol to a soft paste and rub it through a sieve. Then 
dry it, and reduce it to a coarse, granular powder. 

Dose, 1 to 4 dr.; 4. to 15. gm.] 

Action of Caffeine. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Excessive tea-drinking may 
cause indigestion, but this is probably induced by the tannic acid 
in the tea, and not by the caffeine. The teeth of tea tasters are 
very liable to decay. Coffee is, with some persons, slightly lax- 
ative ; it is not known to what ingredient this is due. 

Circulation. — Caffeine is freely absorbed. It produces no 
change in the blood. Moderate doses increase the force of 



3G4 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



the cardiac contraction and the duration of the systole, 

the diastolic period being shortened ; as a consequence of this 
the blood-pressure rises. Toxic doses paralyze the heart. These 
effects are also produced by the local application of caffeine to 
the heart of the frog. 

Respiration. — This is not much influenced by caffeine. Me- 
dicinal doses are said to excite and toxic doses to depress it. 

Nervous system. — -It is well known that tea and coffee stim- 
ulate the cerebrum. This is due to the caffeine in them. The 
patient becomes wakeful, the mental activity and capability for 
work are increased, the reasoning powers being quite as much 
affected as the imagination. In this respect the cerebral stimu- 
lation of caffeine differs from that of opium, and also in that the 
excitation is not inco-ordinate, nor is it soon replaced by sleep. 
Very excessive tea-drinking causes trembling of all the muscles 
of the body, and makes the patient extremely '-'nervous." 

In man the spinal cord and muscles are very little affected by 
caffeine, but in some frogs the spinal cord is decidedly stimu- 
lated, and convulsions occur; in other species the muscles are 
thrown into a state of rigidity, which is clearly due to an action 
on the muscles themselves, for it follows the application of caf- 
feine to an isolated muscle. Sometimes the muscle curve is 
altered in character. It is believed that in man the powers of 
muscular endurance are increased by caffeine. Motor and sensory 
nerves are uninfluenced in all animals. 

Kidneys. — By means of the oncometer it has been shown that 
the first effect of a dose of caffeine is to cause a contraction of 
the kidney with a decrease in the urinary flow ; but soon the 
organ becomes -larger than it was before the experiment, and 
the flow of urine is increased. Thus caffeine is a good local 
diuretic. 

Metabolism — Many elaborate experiments have been made 
upon the action of caffeine on tissue waste ; they are all of them 
inconclusive, probably because it has no effect. Some say it 
decreases, some that it increases, the elimination of urea. Toxic 
doses may cause a slight rise of temperature. 



drugs acting chiefly on the nervous system. 365 

Therapeutics of Caffeine. 

Heart. — Caffeine has been most used in heart disease. It is 
given when, as in aortic or mitral obstruction, a purely stimulant 
effect is desired; large doses, 10 or 20 gr. [.60 to 1.20 gm.] a 
day of the [citrated, or 2 to 6 dr., 8. to 24. gm., of the effer- 
vescent citrated], are often easily borne, and may be combined 
with strychnine. [These preparations are useful, when combined 
with antipyrin or acetanilid derivatives, to counteract their 
depressing influence upon the heart.] Caffeine will not replace 
digitalis, for it does not slow the heart nor make it regular, and 
it shortens the diastole. It is, on account of its diuretic action, 
especially valuable in cardiac cases in which there is dropsy. 
Tea and coffee are, in some persons, liable to produce irregularity 
of the heart. 

•Kidney. — Small doses of caffeine are powerfully diuretic, and 
are therefore used in heart disease, ascites, pleuritic effusion, etc. 
As the drug acts directly on the kidney, it should be given 
cautiously in renal disease. Many patients so soon become used 
to it that at the end of a week it has lost its power of producing 
diuresis. 

Nervous system. — Occasionally it cures migraine, but it is not 
so useful as [antipyrin] or exalgin. 

It may be rendered sufficiently soluble for subcutaneous ad- 
ministration by mixing it with a solution of sodium salicylate. 

GUARANA. 

GU ARAN A.— Synonym. — Brazilian Cocoa. [A dried paste chiefly- 
consisting of the crushed or pounded seeds of Paullinia Cupana, Kunth 
(Paullinia sorbilis, Martius; nat. ord., Sapindacece.) Habitat. — Northern and 
Western Brazil. 

Characters. — Subglobular or elliptic cakes, or cylindrical sticks, hard, 
dark reddish-brown; fracture uneven, somewhat glossy, pale reddish-brown, 
showing fragments of seeds invested with blackish-brown integuments; odor 
slight, peculiar, resembling that of chocolate; taste, astringent and bitter. 
Solubility. — It is partly soluble in water, and in Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are (1) Guaranine, identical with 
Caffeine, 4 to 5 per cent, {see p. 362) ; (2) Volatile Oil, a trace; (3) Saponin ; 
(4) Tannic acid. 

Dose, ^ to 1 d r .; 1. to 4. gm. 



366 INORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Prepa?'ation. 
Extractum Guaranse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Guarana. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and water, and evaporation. 
Dose, j( to i fl. dr. ; i. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Guarana. 
Although there is no reason to believe that guaranine does 
not produce the same action on the nervous system, heart and 
kidneys as caffeine, yet it is rarely used except for sick head- 
aches ; but in these cases it is sometimes of the greatest service. 

[THEOBROMINE SODIO-SALICYLAS. 

THEOBROMINE SODIO-SALICYLATE. (Not official).— 
C 7 H 7 NaN 4 2 -fNaC 7 H 5 3 =36i.42.] Synonym.— Diuretin. 

[Source. — By the interaction of Sodium Theobromine and Sodium Sali- 
cylate. It contains 49.7 per cent, of Theobromine.] It corresponds to the 
Caffeine Sodio-Salicylate, the salt of Caffeine most used in Germany. 

[Characters. — A white powder, soluble in half its weight of warm 
water, the solution remaining perfect when cooled. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

Action and Uses of Theobromine Sodio- Salicylate. 

This is a pure diuretic acting upon the renal epithelium, 
without action upon the heart, and it is believed that it does not 
irritate the kidneys. The daily dose is from one to two drachms ; 
4. to 8. gm., best administered in solution with aromatic water. 
It has been administered with benefit in cases of severe cardiac 
or hepatic dropsy.] It is said that it does not produce depres- 
sion, but it has occasionally given rise to severe symptoms, 
[which may have been due to impurities.] 

Class II.— DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE SPINAL CORD. 

[A. The following excite the cells of the anterior cornua.] 
NUX VOMICA. 

NUX VOMICA.— Synonyms.— Poison Nut. [Dog Button. Quaker 
Button. The seed of Strychnos Nux-vomica Linne (nat. ord. Loganiacece). 
Habitat. — India and East Indian Islands. 

Characters. — About 25 mm. in diameter, orbicular, grayish or green- 
ish-gray; soft-hairy, of a silky lustre, with a slight ridge extending from the 
centre of one side to the edge; internally horny, somewhat translucent, very 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 367 

tough, with a large, circular cavity, into which the heart-shaped, nerved coty- 
ledons project. It is inodorous and persistently bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Strychnine {see below), 
.02 to .0.6 per cent; (2) Brucine, C 23 H 26 N 2 4 , 0.5 to 1.0 per cent, in rectan- 
gular octahedra. Very bitter, but less so than Strychnine. \_Brucinc is found in 
Hoang-Nan.] Solubility. — Freely in Alcohol, and in 7 parts of Chloroform. 
It has the same action as Strychnine, but is considerably less powerful and 
slower in its effects. Strong Sulphuric or Nitric Acid gives a blood-red color. 
(3) Tgasuric Acid, with which the Strychnine and Brucine are united. (4) 
[Loganin, C 23 H 34 O u , in colorless prisms. 

Dose, 1 to 4 gr.; .06 to .24 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Nucis Vomicae. — [Extract of Nux Vomica. By 
maceration with Acetic Acid, Alcohol and Water, percolation with 
Alcohol and Water, and distillation ; treat with Ether, filter, evaporate 
and add Sugar of Milk. 

Extract of Nux Vomica is used to make Tinctura Nucis Vomicae. 
Dose, y% to 1 gr. ; .008 to .06 gm. 

2. Extractum Nucis Vomicae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Nux Vomica. By digestion with Acetic Acid, Alcohol and Water, and 
percolation with Alcohol and Water. Distil off the Alcohol and eva- 
porate. 

Dose, 1 to 4 m. ; .06 to .24 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Nucis Vomicae. — Tincture of Nux Vomica. Ex- 
tract of Nux Vomica, 20 • Alcohol and Water to 1000. By solution. 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; .30 to 1.20 c.c] 

STRYCHNINA.— Strychnine. C 21 H 22 N 2 2 [=333.3i. An alkaloid 
obtained from Nux Vomica, and also obtainable from other plants of the 
natural order Loganiacece, especially from the Strychnos Ignatia.~\ 

Source. — (1) Comminute the Nux Vomica; (2) Extract the Strychnine 
with water acidulated with Hydrochloric Acid ; (3) Concentrate the infusion, 
decompose the Strychnine with Lime ; (4) Extract the Strychnine from the 
precipitate with boiling Alcohol ; (5) Concentrate the solution to obtain the 
crystals. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent, octahedral or prismatic crystals, or 
a white crystalline powder, odorless, and having an intensely bitter taste per- 
ceptible even in highly dilute ( 1 in 700,000) solution. Only extremely diluted 
solutions should be tasted. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 6700 parts 
of water; in 1 10 parts of Alcohol; in 2500 parts of boiling water; and in 12 
parts of boiling Alcohol. Also soluble in 7 parts of Chloroform, but almost 
insoluble in Ether.] Gives no color with Nitric or Sulphuric Acids. Add to 



368 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

a crystal strong Sulphuric Acid, and then add a particle of Potassium Bichro- 
mate, a beautiful violet color, passing to brown and green, is formed. Re- 
sembling Strychnine. — Salicylic Acid (q. v.) 

Impurity. — Brucine, distinguished by tests. 

\_Strychnine is used to prepare Ferri et Strychninae Citras and Syrupus 
Ferri, Quininae et Strychninae Phosphatum. 

Dose, -^ to 2V S T -> •° 01 to - 00 3 g m - m solution, or made in a pill with 
Sugar of Milk (to thoroughly divide it) and Glycerin of Tragacanth; or hypo- 
dermatically. The Nitrate (not official), soluble in I in 60 of water, may be 
used. 

STRYCHNINE SULPHAS.— Strychnine Sulphate. (C 21 H 22 N 2 2 ) 2 
H 2 SOvf 5 H 2 0=854.24. 

Source. — By the action of Diluted Sulphuric Acid on Strychnine, filtra- 
tion and evaporation. 

Characters. — Colorless or white, prismatic crystals, odorless and having 
an intensely bitter taste perceptible even in highly dilute (1 in 700,000) solu- 
tion. Efflorescent in dry air. Solubility. — In 50 parts of water, and in 109 
parts of Alcohol ; almost insoluble in Ether. 

Dose, -fa to J 2 gr. ; .001 to .005 gm.] 

Action of Nux Vomica. 

External. — Strychnine is a very powerful antiseptic. 
Brucine is a local anaesthetic. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Being intensely bitter, 
nux vomica is a good stomachic, increasing the vascularity of 
the gastric mucous membrane, the secretion of gastric juice, and 
the movements of the stomach, just like calumba, gentian, or any 
other bitter ; consequently it aids digestion and sharpens the 
appetite. In the intestine it is a direct stimulant to the intestinal 
muscular coat, and by this means it increases peristalsis, and 
is therefore purgative. 

Blood. — Strychnine is absorbed into the blood, and circulates 
as such. If blood is mixed with strychnine and shaken with air, 
it contains more oxygen and less carbon [dioxide] than it would 
have done had the strychnine been absent ; but there is no evi- 
dence that strychnine in small doses alters the oxidizing power 
of living blood. 

Spinal cord. — Strychnine causes convulsions. They are 
not cerebral, for they occur if the spinal cord is separated from 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 369 

the brain. They do not depend upon excitation of the motor 
nerves or muscles, for they are absent in a limb the spinal ante- 
rior nerve-roots of which are cut. They do not depend upon 
stimulation of sensory nerves, for they occur even if the posterior 
nerve-roots are cut. Therefore they must be spinal ; and this 
is proved by the fact that if all the vessels of the lower part of 
the spinal cord are [ligated] just at their entry into the cord, so 
that this is the only part of the body deprived of its blood supply, 
and strychnine is injected into the blood, convulsions occur in 
all the muscles except those the nerves of which spring from the 
part of the cord which the strychnine cannot reach. Again, if 
an animal be convulsed by strychnine, and a probe be slowly 
passed down the spinal canal, the convulsions will gradually cease 
from above downwards. Strychnine, therefore, enormously in- 
creases the excitability of the motor nerve-cells of the spinal cord. 
The result is that even the slightest stimulus, as a breath of air, 
acting reflexly, causes violent convulsions. 

Muscles and nerves. — Even with enormous doses the muscles 
and afferent nerves are unaffected. Towards the end of a case of 
poisoning the functional activity of the motor nerves is depressed. 
This is not due, as has been thought, to their exhaustion from the 
transmission of the impulses from the spinal cord which produce 
the convulsions, but it is the result of a direct paralyzing effect 
on the motor nerves themselves. 

Brain. — The convolutions are quite unaffected. The 
centres in the medulla, which are really the continuation upwards 
of the anterior cornual cells of the cord, are powerfully stimu- 
lated, especially the respiratory centre. The vaso-motor 
centre is also considerably excited, and chiefly for this reason 
the blood-pressure rises from the very first. The cardiac centre 
is but slightly affected [although the clinical evidence is in favor 
its being strongly influenced]. 

Circulation. — Strychnine stimulates the heart directly, 
either by its action on the cardiac muscles or, as most authorities 
think, by stimulating the motor ganglia. The blood-pressure 
is raised, partly no doubt by the action on the heart, but also 
by the contraction of the vessels all over the body, which is 
24 



370 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

brought about first by the direct excitation, by the strychnine, of 
the medullary vaso-motor centre, and subsequently by its asphyx- 
ial stimulation, and also by the increased peripheral resistance 
which must occur from the frequent contraction of all the 
muscles. [The result is that the force of the heart is increased 
and the diastole lengthened.] 

Respiration. — Respiration is rendered quicker and deeper 
because strychnine excites the spinal and medullary respiratory 
centres. The respiratory muscles are implicated in the general 
convulsions with the result that the patient ultimately becomes 
asphyxiated owing to exhaustion of them, and to their prolonged 
contraction during the convulsive spasms. The heart continues 
to beat after death which is entirely due to failure of respiration. 
The temperature is a little raised during strychnine poisoning. 

Special senses. — The hearing and sight are sharpened by 
strychnine. The field of vision, especially for blue, is enlarged. 

Elimination — Part of the strychnine is eliminated unchanged 
in the urine ; the rest appears as strychnic acid. It is excreted 
very slowly, and therefore accumulates in the system. For a 
clinical account of strychnine poisoning see Toxicology. 

Brucine and thebaine act like strychnine, but methyl-brucine, 
methyl-thebaine, and methyl-strychnine do not influence the cord, 
but paralyze the ends of the motor nerves like curare. 

Strychnine acts on all animals as on man ; but chickens, 
guinea-pigs, and perhaps monkeys are less susceptible to it than 
other animals. 

Therapeutics of Nux Vomica. 

External. — Strychnine is so poisonous that its use as an 
antiseptic would not be safe. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Tincture of nux vomica 
is very largely given with excellent results as a bitter stomachic 
and carminative, especially in cases in which the feebleness of 
digestion is merely part of generally feeble health. [Twenty 
drops of tincture of nux vomica in a wineglass of hot water will 
frequently at once check gastro-intestinal fermentation.] A mix- 
ture of diluted hydrochloric acid, gentian and nux vomica is of 
great service in these cases. As the digestion improves, the 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 371 

general health improves. Because of its power to stimulate 
peristalsis nux vomica is a valuable drug for cases of constipation 
in which the contractile strength of the muscular coat of the in- 
testine is weak ; usually this is a part of a general weakness of the 
whole body. The constipation of anaemia, which can be very 
successfully treated by a pill of extract of nux vomica and ferrous 
sulphate, is a good instance of this variety of constipation. 

Circulation. — In cases of heart disease in which digitalis is 
inadmissible, nux vomica and strychnine are excellent cardiac 
stimulants, and for this purpose they may be combined with 
caffeine. Patients almost dead from failure of the heart in the 
course of chronic cardiac disease may sometimes be brought 
around by the subcutaneous injection of strychnine. 

Respiration. — Strychnine may be combined with expectorants, 
because it stimulates the respiratory centre ; and it is extremely 
serviceable when from any cause, such as severe bronchitis, the 
respirations are feeble and shallow. [It is also useful in pneumo- 
nia when death is imminent from dilatation of the right heart. 
In this condition it should be administered hypodermatically and 
at frequent intervals.] 

Nervous system. — It has been given for a number of nervous 
diseases, but with no constantly good results, for when the disease 
is not in the anterior cornua, strychnine is hardly indicated ; and 
if it is in this part of the cord, it is doubtful whether it is advisa- 
ble to stimulate the part of the body which is diseased. 

Toxicology. 
Symptoms. — In about an hour after a poisonous dose the patient begins to 
feel uneasy from a sensation of impending suffocation. The tetanic convulsions 
then commence with great violence, nearly all the muscles of the body being 
affected at once. The limbs are thrown out, the hands are clenched, the head 
is jerked forwards and then bent backwards, and the whole body is perfectly stiff 
from the violence of the contractions. The pulse is very rapid ; the temperature 
may rise. Hearing and sight are acute. The convulsion lasts a minute or two, 
then the muscles relax, and the patient feels exhausted and sweats all over. The 
intermission is short, convulsions soon come on again, and again there is a 
relapse to the state of muscular relaxation. The convulsions now rapidly 
increase in severity, and owing to the violent contractions of the muscles of the 
back, the patient is in the position of opisthotonos, resting on his head and his 



372 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

heels. The abdominal muscles are as hard as a board, the chest is fixed, the 
face becomes livid, the eyeballs are staring. The contraction of the muscles 
of the face causes a risus sardonicus ; but those of the jaw are not affected till 
near the end; [this aids in distinguishing strychnine poisoning from tetanus.] 
Consciousness is retained till the last. The slightest noise or even a bright light 
will reflexly bring on the convulsions, which may jerk the patient out of bed. 
Ultimately he dies from exhaustion and asphyxia. The smallest dose of strych- 
nine known to have killed is half a grain ; [.03 gm. ] Post-mortem. — The usual 
appearances of death by asphyxia are seen. 

Strychnine poisoning is liable to be confounded with tetanus, but in this 
disease symptoms come on more slowly, and there is continuous muscular 
rigidity with paroxysmal exacerbations, but never complete muscular relaxation. 

Treatment. — Give emetics {see p. 132), or wash out the stomach if the 
[patient ] is seen early enough for the passing of the tube not to cause spasm. Also 
give plenty of animal charcoal or tannic acid, but continue the washing out. In- 
ject large doses of potassium bromide and chloral per rectmn. Useamyl nitrite 
inhalations, and if possible artificial respiration. 

Antagonism. 
In a sense strychnine is antidotal to chloral and morphine, but it is not a 
strict antidote, for they act chiefly on the cerebrum. Still chloral is valuable in 
strychnine poisoning, and although the antagonism with Calabar bean and gel- 
semium is more accurate, as both depress the anterior cornua, yet they are of 
very little use in strychnine poisoning. [Chloroform is the most practical 
antidote to strychnine. 

B. The following depress the cells of the anterior cornua ] 
PHYSOSTIGMA.] 

PHYSOSTIGMA.— [6y«o«j/^.— Calabar bean. The seed of Physo- 
stigma venenosu?n Balfour (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Tropical West- 
ern Africa, near the mouth of the Niger and old Calabar. 

Characters. — About 25 to 30 mm. long, 15 to 20 mm. broad, and 10 to 
15 mm. thick; oblong, and somewhat reniform; testa granular, chocolate- 
brown, with a broad, black groove extending over the entire length of the con- 
vex edge ; embryo with a short, curved radicle, and two large, white, concavo- 
convex cotyledons; inodorous; taste, bean-like. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are: (1) Physostigmine or Eserine 
[see p. 373); (2) Calabarine, a derivative of Physostigmine ; (3) Eseridine ; 
and (4) Physosterin a neutral principle closely related to cholesterine." 1 

Dose, y z to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm. of the powdered seeds. 
Preparations. 
1. Extractum Physostigmatis. — [Extract of Physostigma. By 
maceration, percolation with Alcohol and evaporation. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 373 

Dose, Jq to ]/ z gr. ; .006 to .03 gm., internally, or rather less 
dissolved in 10 m.; .60 c. c. of water and given subcutaneously. 

2. Tinctura Physostigmatis. — Tincture of Physostigma. Phy- 
sostigma, 150. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c. c] 

[PHYSOSTIGMINE SALICYLAS. — Physostigmine Salicylate 
C 15 H 21 N 3 2 C 7 H 6 3 ==4I2. 17. Synonym. — Eserine Salicylate. The Salicy- 
late of an Alkaloid obtained from Physostigma. 

Source. — By adding Physostigmine to a solution of Salicylic Acid in 
boiling Distilled Water, and allowing the salt to crystallize on cooling. 

Characters. — Colorless or faintly yellowish, shining, acicular, or short, 
columnar crystals, odorless, and having a bitter taste. It acquires a reddish 
tint when long exposed to light and air. Solubility. — In 150 parts of water, 
and in 12 parts of Alcohol. 



PHYSOSTIGMINE SULPHAS.— Physostigmine Sulphate. C 15 
H 21 N 3 2 ) 2 H 2 SO i =:646.82. Synonym. — Eserine Sulphate. The sulphate of 
an Alkaloid obtained from Physostigma. 

Characters. — A white or yellowish-white, micro-crystalline powder; 
odorless, and having a bitter taste. It is very deliquescent when exposed to 
moist air, and gradually turns reddish by exposure to air and light. Solubility. 
— Very soluble in water and in Alcohol. 

Dose, T ^o to g 1 ^ gr. ; .0006 to .002 gm.] 

Action of Calaear Bean. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Mouth. — After physostigmine is absorbed it in- 
creases the salivary secretion ; and this, according to some, 
is through its action on the centre in the medulla ; according to 
others, by its direct effect on the salivary cells. After a time the 
flow of saliva ceases, because the drug has so acted on the circu- 
lation as to constrict the vessels, and consequently the flow of 
blood through the salivary glands is diminished. 

Stomach and intestines. — The muscular coat of the stomach 
and intestines is stimulated by the direct action of the drug 
circulating through it. The result is' that after a large dose 
vomiting and purging occur. Physostigmine is quickly ab- 
sorbed. 

Circulation. — No influence on the blood is known. The 



374 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



effect on the heart is obscure, but it appears that the irritability 
of the peripheral terminations of the vagus is at first increased, 
and that consequently the heart is slowed. Very large doses 
are said to decrease the irritability of the vagus. In addition to 
its effects on the vagus, physostigmine powerfully stimulates the 
contractile force of the heart. The beat is therefore both more 
forcible and slower. Ultimately the organ is paralyzed and 
stops in diastole. 

The blood-pressure rises very much ; this is largely due 
to the increased force of the cardiac beat, but perhaps partly to 
the irritation of the muscular coat of the arteries by physostig- 
mine, for it stimulates most of the involuntary muscles 
in the body. 

Respiration. — This is first quickened, but soon retarded, and 
death takes place from asphyxia. Three factors at least are prob- 
ably concerned in bringing about these results. The ends of the 
vagi in the lungs are stimulated, for if these nerves are cut and phy- 
sostigmine is administered there is no primary quickening of res- 
piration. Physostigmine, from its action on involuntary mus- 
cular fibre, causes contraction of that in the bronchial tubes, with 
consequent constriction of them. Lastly and the most important, 
the activity of the respiratory centres in the medulla and cord is 
depressed. 

Nervous system.-^- Brain. — Even in fatal doses consciousness 
is unimpaired. The only part of the brain known to be affected 
is the respiratory centre. 

Spinal cord. — It is here that physostigmine produces its most 
charar teristic effects, Reflex activity is inhibited ; by ex- 
clusion it can be shown that this is not owing to any influence on 
the nerves or voluntary muscles, therefore it is due to depression 
of the anterior cornua of the spinal cord. The most con- 
clusive proof of this is the direct application of the drug to the 
cord. There is then, at first, from the irritation, which is caused 
by almost any substance, a slight increase of reflex excitability, 
but this soon gives way to complete abolition of it. Later on 
the posterior part of the cord is also paralyzed,, so that there is a 
diminution of cutaneous sensibility. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 375 

Voluntary muscles and their nerves. — These are influenced 
[even to convulsive action]. With very large doses the irritabil- 
ity of motor nerves and muscles is slightly depressed ; sensory 
nerves are unaffected. 

Involuntary muscles. — We have already seen that the involun- 
tary muscles of the intestines, stomach, and bronchial tubes are 
stimulated by physostigmine; so also are those of the spleen, 
uterus, bladder, and iris. It is not decided whether in all these 
instances it is the muscular fibres or the terminations of the 
nerves in them that are affected. 

Eye. — Physostigmine applied locally to the conjunctiva or 
introduced into the circulation causes contraction of the 
pupil, spasm of accommodation, and a diminution of 
intra-ocular tension. These effects can be prevented by 
atropine. Some consider that the ends of the third nerve are 
also affected. 

Secretions. — The saliva, sweat, tears, and buccal mucus are 
increased. The cause of this is unknown. 

The action of physostigmine is much more constant than that 
of Calabar bean, because the calabarine (which stimulates the 
cord) in the bean interferes with the action of physostigmine. 

Therapeutics of Calabar Bean. 

Involuntary muscles. — Because of its stimulating power on 
unstriped muscle Calabar bean has been recommended for chronic 
constipation, atony of the bladder, and chronic bronchitis with 
deficient power of expectoration, but it is rarely given for these 
purposes. 

Spinal Cord. — Calabar bean has been largely used for tetanus, 
and some cases of recovery have been reported ; probably it is 
the most efficacious drug we have for this disease. It must be 
administered boldly, yi gr. [.02 gm.] of the extract frequently 
repeated may be injected under the skin ; or still better physo- 
stigmine salicylate may be given subcutaneously in doses of -gV to 
tV gr., [.001 to .005 gm.] or 1 to 6 m. [ ; .06 to .30 c. c] of a 
solution in water [1 in 160]. The sulphate may be used in the 
same doses. Physostigmine has been given as an antidote for 
strychnine poisoning. 



37G ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Eye. — A solution of physostigmine salicylate is dropped in 
the eye to break up adhesions of the iris, to diminish intra-ocular 
tension, and to prevent prolapse of the iris after wounds or ulcers 
of the cornea. It is also employed in glaucoma, in paralysis of 
the iris and ciliary muscles, and to prevent the entrance of light 
into the eye in photophobia. If used in solution, physostigmine 
salicylate, i to 2, to water, 480 ; is the usual strength. 

Antagonism. 
It will be observed that in its actions on the pupil, on secretion, on the 
heart, and on respiration, physostigmine is antagonistic to atropine. In its 
action on the spinal cord and respiratory centre it is antagonistic to strychnine. 

[MUSCARINA. 

MUSCARINE. (Not official).— C 5 H 15 N0 3 =i 36. 74. An alkaloid 
obtained from Amanita Muse aria, Fly Fungus. Habitat. —Russia and 
Northern Europe. 

Characters. — A liquid of the consistence of syrup, without odor or 
taste. Solubility. — Nearly in water and Alcohol ; insoluble in Ether and 
Chloroform. 

Dose, y% to 2 m. ; .008 to .12 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Muscarine. 
Muscarine in its action somewhat resembles Calabar bean, ana 
it is antagonistic to atropine. It produces free salivation, abun- 
dant perspiration, diminution of the force and frequency of the 
pulse, dyspnoea, paralysis and finally death. The pupil is con- 
tracted ; dilating, however, before death. The cardiac diastole 
is prolonged, due to action upon the inhibitory nerves. The 
muscles of the intestines and bladder are markedly contracted. 
The abdominal secretions are increased. Although it has been 
but little used in medicine, it is likely to be useful in intestinal 
torpor, duodenal catarrh, and in inflammatory effusions and 
exudations. As it produces contraction of pulmonary capillaries, 
it is indicated in pulmonary haemorrhages and incipient pulmon- 
ary congestion.] 

GELSEMIUM. 

GELSEMIUM. — Synonym. — Yellow Jasmine. [The rhizome and 
roots of Gelsemium sempei'virens (Linne) Persoon (nat. ord. Loganiaee<z). 
Habitat. — Southern United States. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 377 

Characters. — Cylindrical, long, or cut in sections, mostly from 5 to 15 
mm. and occasionally 3 cm. thick, the roots much thinner; externally light 
yellowish-brown, wilh purplish-brown, longitudinal lines; tough; fracture 
splintery ; bark thin, with silky bast-fibres, closely adhering to the pale yel- 
lowish, porous wood, which has fine, medullary rays, and in the rhizome a 
thin pith; odor, aromatic, heavy; taste bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Gelsemine, C 54 H 69 N 4 12 , 
a colorless, with difficulty crystallizable, bitter alkaloid, soluble in Alcohol and 
Ether, sparingly in water. (2) [Ge/seminine } a brown, amorphous, bitter 
alkaloid. (3) Gelseminic Acid. (4) A volatile oil. 

Dose, 5 to 10 gr. ; .30 to .60 gm. Of Gelsemine, (not official) J^ to ^ 
gr. ; .001 to .003 gm. 

Preparations, 

1. Extractum Gelsemii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Gelse- 
mium. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 10 m. ; .30 to .60 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Gelsemii. — Tincture of Gelsemium. Gelsemium, 
150; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol, to 1000. 

Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; i. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Gelsemium. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gelsemium produces no effect on the stomach or 
intestines. 

Brain. — In poisoning by gelsemium consciousness is main- 
tained till the end ; the drug, therefore, has no power on the 
higher cerebral centres. 

Spinal cord. — The most marked symptom produced by gelse- 
mium is paralysis of all the muscles of the body; and by a 
series of experiments, like those used for strychnine, this can be 
shown to be due to depression of the activity of the ante- 
rior cornua of the spinal cord. This is said to be followed by 
a depression of the sensory part of the cord, with consequent 
anaesthesia. The motor nerves and muscles are quite unaffected, 
even till death. The result of this action on the cord is that the 
patient may be unable to walk, or, if he can, the gait is stagger- 
ing; his general sensibility is much impaired. Convulsions may 
be produced. The cause of these cannot be made out, for they 
appear to be neither cerebral, spinal, nor peripheral. 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Eye. — Gelsemium soon causes disturbance of vision, then 
follows diplopia, due to paralysis of the ocular muscles, 
and from the same cause the upper lid drops. The pupil is 
dilated. All these symptoms are probably owing to the paralysis 
of the motor cells in the floor of the fourth ventricle and the 
aqueduct of Sylvius, for these are the continuation upwards of 
the anterior cornual cells. 

Circulation. — The action of moderate doses is not marked. 
Toxic doses are powerfully depressant ; the force and rate of the 
pulse and the blood pressure fall. This is owing to a direct action 
on the heart. How far these effects are due also to affection of 
the medullary and spinal centres is not known. 

Respiration. — Soon after the administration of gelsemium the 
respiration becomes slower and more feeble ; ultimately it stops, 
death taking place by asphyxia. This is due to paralysis of 
the respiratory centres in the cord and medulla. Before death 
the temperature falls, and the skin is bathed in a cold sweat. 

Therapeutics of Gelsemium. 
Gelsemium was formerly given [as a circulatory depressant, 
but it is not now used, as its other effects are so harmful. Nor 
is it any longer prescribed for convulsive diseases, as tetanus, 
whooping-cough, chorea, etc., as it was not found to do any 
good. It is occasionally used for neuralgia and migraine ; how 
it acts is quite uncertain ; the dose must be pushed, and often the 
drug fails.] Sometimes it is employed to dilate the pupil and 
paralyze accommodation. It will do this when applied locally, 
for it is quickly absorbed from the eye. [It has the advantage that 
its influence passes off rapidly.] Discs [of gelatin], each con- 
taining -5^ gr. [.00013 gm.] gelsemine (not official), are made 
for application to the eye. 

Class III.— DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVES. 

[A. The following depress the motor nerves.] 
CONIUM. 

CONIUM. — Synonym.— [Spotted] Hemlock. [The full grown fruit 
of Conium Maculatum, Linne (nat. ord. l/mbeM/erce), gathered while yet 
green. Habitat. — Europe and Asia; neutralized in North America. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 379 

Characters. — About 3 mm. long ; broadly ovate, laterally compressed ; 
grayish -green ; often divided into the two mericarps, each with five crenate 
ribs, without oil tubes, and containing a seed which is grooved on the face ; 
odor and taste slight. ] Resembling conium fruit. — Caraway, anise, dill, all 
known by having vittse [oil-tubes]. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Coniine, C 8 H 17 N, the 
active principle; [a colorless, oily, volatile alkaloid, of a disagreeable odor 
and acrid taste.] Solubility. — In 100 parts of water. It is easily obtained 
from the plant by distillation with alkalies. It is readily decomposed by light 
and heat, and the preparations of Conium are therefore of very varying 
strengths. Its salts are much more stable. (2) Methyl-coniine, C 8 H 19 CN. A 
colorless, liquid alkaloid. (3) Conhydrine, a nearly inert crystallizable alka- 
loid. 

INCOMPATIBLES. — Caustic alkalies, vegetable acids and astringents. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; [.12 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 
s 1. [Extractum Conii. — Extract of Conium. By maceration and 

percolation with Diluted Alcohol and Acetic Acid, and evaporation. 
Dose, Ys to 1 gr.; .02 to .o5 gm. 

2. Extractum Conii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Conium. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol and Acetic Acid, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .12 to .30 c.c] 

Action of Conium. 

External. — Coniine has no influence on the unbroken skin, 
but it has been thought to be anaesthetic when applied to painful 
broken surfaces. This is doubtful, for, in the first place, we have 
no proof that it can be absorbed from sores ; and, secondly, ex- 
periments show that enormous doses have to be given to depress 
the activity of sensory nerves. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — It has no special action 
here, but it may occasionally give rise to vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Circulation. — Coniine is absorbed into the blood, and circu- 
lates unchanged. As it paralyzes the terminations of the vagus 
it probably increases the rapidity of the cardiac beat, but this 
subject has not yet been satisfactorily worked out. 

Nervous system. — Nerves. — It is on these that coniine and 
methyl-coniine, the active principles of conium, chiefly act. 



380 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Coniine is much the more energetic. It powerfully depresses 
the functional activity of all the motor nerves in the body. 
This depression begins at their periphery, and gradually ascends 
till the whole nerve, from the periphery to the spinal cord, is 
incapable of responding to stimuli. This leads to paralysis of 
all the muscles of the body as far as voluntary and reflex motion 
is concerned, but they themselves are unaffected, retaining their 
irritability to local stimuli. The sensory nerves are not impli- 
cated unless the dose is very large ; then their conducting power 
is slightly impaired. 

Spinal cord. — This remains uninfluenced till quite late ; then, 
if poisonous doses have been given, the function of its motor 
cells is feebly depressed, as is also that of the respiratory centre 
in the medulla. As methyl- coniine inhibits the reflex activity of 
the spinal cord earlier than coniine, the exact period at which 
this effect comes on varies with different preparations. 

Brain. — Except for the respiratory centre the whole of the 
brain is unaffected by coniine. Consciousness is preserved until 
the stage of asphyxia. 

Eye. — Coniine, when dropped into the eye, causes immediate 
contraction of the pupil reflexly from the conjunctival irritation. 
But soon the pupil dilates, and accommodation is paralyzed ; 
the same usually happens when the drug is given internally. 
Probably these results are owing to paralysis of the terminal por- 
tions of the third nerve, for well-marked ptosis, which is due to 
this cause, is present. 

Respiration. — Owing to the profound paralysis of all the 
motor nerves, and the later depression of the respiratory centre 
and motor part of the cord, death takes place from enfeeblement 
of respiration and consequent asphyxia. 

Coniine is excreted unchanged, chiefly in the urine. 

Therapeutics of Conium. 

External. — Conium has been applied to painful ulcers and 
sores, but it is, for the reasons already given, doubtful whether it 
produces any good effect. It has also been employed for myalgia 
and rheumatism, but it is quite useless 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 381 

Internal. — Conium is rarely given as a medicine for (V) the 
amount of coniine extracted by any preparation is very variable ; 
(^) the amount of methyl-coniine present is also very uncertain ; 
(V) coniine is very volatile ; (a) it is unstable, light and air mak- 
ing it inert. For these reasons it is probable that often the phar- 
macopoeial preparations contain no coniine at all. Ounces of the 
succus [B. P., which is the expressed juice of the leaves and young 
branches, to which 25 per cent, of alcohol has been added], and 
which is believed to be the most reliable preparation, have fre- 
quently been swallowed without producing any effects. The 
preparations of the fruit are said by some to be more reliable 
than those of the leaves. Conium has been given in spasmodic 
diseases, as whooping-cough, in chorea, tetanus, asthma, and 
epilepsy, but in all it does little or no good. 

Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms produced by a poisonous dose are in strict 
accordance with the physiological action. The sufferer feels his legs to be 
heavy; on attempting to walk he staggers, and finds he can hardly move them, 
and finally he has to lie down because he has no power over them. The arms 
become powerless, and lie motionless at his side. There is ptosis, and dim- 
ness of vision from paralysis of accommodation ; the eyes are fixed, the pupil 
is dilated. Swallowing becomes difficult. Respiration is labored, the voice 
is lost, and death takes place from asphyxia. Post-mortem. — The organs are 
found congested with venous blood. 

Treatment. — Emetics {see p. 132), and wash out the stomach. Give tan- 
nic acid and again wash it out. Stimulants subcutaneously, warmth to the 
feet, and artificial respiration [are necessary]. 

TABACUM. 

[TOBACCO. — The commercial dried leaves of Nicotiana Tabacum 
(nat. ord. Solanacece), Habitat. — Tropical America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Up to 50 cm. long, oval or ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire, 
brown, friable, glandular-hairy, of a heavy, peculiar odor, and a nauseous, 
bitter, and acrid taste.] 

Composition.— The chief constituent is — Nicotine, [C 10 H u N 2 (o.7 to 
5, sometimes 11 per cent.)]. A colorless, volatile, oily alkaloid, smelling and 
tasting like Tobacco leaves, darkening with age. Solubility. — Soluble in 
water, more so in Alcohol and Ether. Turkish Tobacco contains hardly any. 

Nicotine is decomposed by heat, consequently Tobacco smoke contains 
none, but consists of small quantities of various Pyridine compounds, as Tyri- 



382 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

dine C 5 H 5 N, Picoline C 6 H 7 N, Lutidine C 7 H 9 N, Collidine C 8 H n N,[Parvoline 
C 9 H 13 N,- Coridine C 10 H 15 N, Rubidine C n H 17 N,] and small amounts of Hydro- 
cyanic and Acetic Acids, Creosote, Sulphur, and Carbon compounds. 

Action of Tobacco. 

Tobacco leaves, when taken internally, act entirely by virtue 
of their nicotine, which is one of the most powerful and 
rapid poisons known. 

External. — Nicotine is an antiseptic. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract — Nicotine in even minute 
doses (Jf gr. [.009 gm.]) promptly produces symptoms of in- 
tense gastro-intestinal irritation. These are greatly increased 
salivary flow, burning pain in the mouth, oesophagus and stomach, 
horrible nausea, quickly succeeded by vomiting and free purging. 
The marked characteristic of this gastro-intestinal irritation is the 
extreme collapse which accompanies it. Thus there is a 
rapid, very feeble pulse, intense muscular weakness, labored 
respiration, partial loss of consciousness, occasional convulsions, 
icy extremities, and profound general collapse. A dose of nico- 
tine has been known to kill in three minutes. 

Circulation. — Nicotine disintegrates the red blood-corpuscles 
of freshly-drawn blood, but has not this effect upon living blood, 
although the spectrum of haemoglobin is altered, so that the 
corpuscles must be in some way affected. The action on the 
heart is obscure ; the muscle itself is unaffected, but the rapid- 
running, feeble pulse shows that some part of the cardiac appa- 
ratus is powerfully influenced. The blood-pressure falls rapidly ; 
we are ignorant as to whether this is entirely due to the action of 
nicotine on the heart. 

Respiration. — This is paralyzed, how, is not known. Death 
is partly due to asphyxia. 

Nervous system. — The cerebrum is probably very little affected 
by nicotine. The convulsions occasionally observed in man, and 
always in the frog, are due to spinal stimulation. All observers 
are agreed that ultimately the function of the motor nerves 
is entirely abolished. This explains the intense muscular 
weakness. Probably the sensory nerves, and certainly the mus- 
cles, escape. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 383 

Eye. — A toxic dose taken internally, or the local application 
of nicotine to the eye, contracts the pupil. This will occur 
in excised eyes, and is therefore a local effect. It is most likely 
due both to paralysis [of the] sympathetic and irritation of the 
third nerve. 

Elimination. — Nicotine is probably eliminated in the urine, 
the secretion of which it increases. 

Therapeutics of Tobacco. 

Tobacco is never used therapeutically. [In non-smokers it is 
useful to relieve the symptom asthma.] Formerly it was em- 
ployed in the form of an enema of leaves to relax muscular 
spasm, so as to facilitate the reduction of dislocations. This 
enema was also sometimes given as a purgative. [Pyridine which 
is found in tobacco, but commercially is obtained from other 
sources, when administered by inhalation will frequently relieve 
the paroxysms of asthma. For this purpose a fluid drachm ; 
4. c.c, is necessary, placed in a dish, so that it may slowly evapo- 
rate. Its persistent and abominable odor is a great obstacle to 
its use.] 

Tobacco smoking, in those who are unaccustomed to it, pro- 
duces, to a greater or less degree, the symptoms of gastrointes- 
tinal irritation and collapse just mentioned. Even in those who 
are used to it the smoke may produce catarrh of the pharynx. 
Some persons find smoking after breakfast assists the daily action 
of the bowels. With many people, it has an obscure effect, espe- 
cially among those who lead sedentary lives, in stimulating the 
brain and producing a peaceable, calm state of mind. Over- 
indulgence in it may lead to loss of appetite and atrophy of the 
optic nerve. 

[Toxicology. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms are those which we should expect from its 
physiological action. 

Treatment. — Tannic acid followed by emetics {see p. 132). Strychnine is 
the true physiological antidote. Alcohol and ammonia stimulate the heart. 
The recumbent position must be maintained. Artificial respiration may be 
necessary.] 



384 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



[CURARA.] 

CURARE. — (Not official.) — Synonyms. — Woorara. Wourari. Urari. 
Wourali. The South American arrow poison, prepared from species of Strychnos 
and other plants. 

Characters. — A blackish-brown, dry extract, [brittle or hygroscopic, 
with a bitter taste. Solubility. — Almost completely in diluted Alcohol.] 

Composition. — It contains an extremely active poison, Curarina or Cu- 
rarine, [C 18 H 35 N,] a yellowish-brown powder intensely bitter. 

Dose, J^ to y 2 gr.; [.0025 to .03 gm.] 

The British Pharmaceutical Conference [proposes for hypodermatic injec- 
tion of Curara :] — Curare, I ; add distilled w~ter to form a thin paste. Put in a 
funnel plugged with absorbent wool, and gradually add more water until 12 
parts are obtained. Of this the dose is 1 to 6 m.; [.06 to .25 c.c] 

Lamellae or discs, each containing Jq g r -J [- 00 3 g m -] are also prepared. 
They are dissolved in a few drops of water before injection subcutaneously. 

Action and Therapeutics of Curare. 

The physiological action of curare, by which it paralyzes 
the end plates of the motor nerves of voluntary muscles, is well 
known. It has been given successfully in tetanus, and is pro- 
bably one of the most useful of all the drugs employed fo? this 
very fatal disease. 

[B. The following depress the sensory nerves.] 
COCA. 

COCA. — [Synonyms. — Erythroxylon. Cuca. The leaves of Erythroxy- 
lon Coca, Lamarck (nat. ord. Linece). Habitat. — Peru and Bolivia; culti- 
vated. 

Characters. — Varying between ovate, lanceolate, and obovate-oblong, 
and from 2 to 5 or 7 cm. in length; short-petiolate, entire, rather obtuse or 
emarginate at the apex, slightly reticulate on both sides, with a prominent mid- 
rib, and on each side of it a curved line running from base to apex ; odor slight 
and tea-like ; taste somewhat aromatic and bitter. When chewed, it tempo- 
rarily benumbs the lips and tongue.] 

Composition. — It contains three alkaloids, viz., (1) Cocaine, 0.2 per 
cent.; (2) Ecgonine, C 9 H 16 N0 3 , the methyl-benzoyl compound being cocaine; 
(3) Hygrine, a volatile liquid alkaloid. Also (4) Coca-tannic acid and (5) 
Coca-wax. Different specimens vary very much in strength of Cocaine. Fresh 
specimens are stronger than those that have been kept. 

Dose, 1 to 4 dr. ; [4. to 15. gm.] of the leaves infused in hot water. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 385 

Preparation. 

Extractum Cocse [Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Coca. By ma- 
ceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, i to 4 fl. dr.; 4. to 15. c.c] 

COCAINE HYDROCHLORAS. — Cocaine Hydrochlorate. 
C 17 H 21 N0 4 HC1 [=338.71. The hydrochlorate of an Alkaloid obtained from 
Coca.] 

Source. — Agitate with Ether an aqueous solution of an acidulated Alco- 
holic extract, make alkaline with Sodium Carbonate ; separate and evaporate 
the Ethereal liquid; purify by repetition; decolorize, neutralize with Hydro- 
chloric Acid, and recrystallize. 

Characters. —Colorless, [transparent crystals, or a white, crystalline 
powder, without odor; of a saline, slightly bitter taste, and producing upon 
the tongue a tingling sensation followed by numbness of some minutes' dura- 
tion. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 0.48 part of water, and in 3.5 
parts of Alcohol; also soluble in 2800 parts of Ether, or in 17 parts of Chlo- 
roform. 

Dose, y$ to 2 gr.; .008 to .12 gra.] 

Action of Coca. 

External.— Cocaine has no action on the unbroken skin, 
but if injected subcutaneously or applied to mucous membranes 
— as, for example, those of the eye, nose, mouth, rectum, vagina 
— it produces complete local anaesthesia, so that small 
operations can be performed without the patient feeling them. 
A 5 to 10 per cent, solution of the hydrochlorate is strong 
enough to thus paralyze the sensory nerves. Much larger doses 
must be applied to motor nerves to paralyze them. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract — When cocaine is taken 
internally, the gastric mucous membrane experiences its anaes- 
thetic influence. Therefore the sensation of hunger is deadened, 
and persons taking cocaine can go a long time without feeling 
the want of food ; but the drug is not a food, for the body rap- 
idly wastes. Because of its local anaesthetic effect it sometimes 
stops vomiting. Very large doses, by paralyzing the intestines, 
lead to constipation, but others assert that diarrhoea results. 

Circulation. — Probably cocaine has [but] little direct effect 
upon the circulation, but the vagus is somewhat depressed, and 
25 



386 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



therefore the pulse quickens ; larger doses slow it from stimula- 
tion of the vagus. [Cocaine constricts the arterioles]. 

Respiration. — It acts upon the respiratory centre, first stimu- 
lating it, so that the rapidity and depth of respiration are in- 
creased ; but soon depression of the centre follows, the respira- 
tory movements become feeble, and death takes place from 
asphyxia. 

Nervous system. — Cerebrum. — Moderate doses greatly in- 
crease the bodily and mental power, and give a sense of 
calm and happiness. This greater physical energy renders pos- 
sible the performance of long, exhausting muscular feats. For 
this, and for the extreme sense of peace produced, coca leaves 
mixed with clay or ashes are chewed by thousands of the inhabi- 
tants of Peru and the neighboring countries. It is said that 
forty million pounds of the leaves are annually harvested. An 
excessive indulgence in the habit of coca-chewing leads to indi- 
gestion, extreme emaciation, insomnia and enfeeblement of intel- 
lect. In animals coca causes cerebral convulsions. 

Spinal cord, — The effect of cocaine on this is obscure. Large 
doses are depressant. The action on nerves has been already 
mentioned. As a rule, muscles are unaffected. 

Eye. — When a solution of cocaine is dropped into the eye 
there is first a transitory contraction of the pupil. This is prob- 
ably due to reflex action, and soon gives way to wide dilata- 
tion. The maximum is attained in an hour or two. The nor- 
mal state is regained in from twelve to twenty-four hours. The 
dilated pupil is freely responsive to light, and the dilatation is 
rapidly overcome by physostigmine. The ocular tension is 
slightly lowered. Accommodation is partially, but never com- 
pletely paralyzed. These effects are due to irritation of the 
sympathetic, and as they are quickly produced by dropping the 
drug in the eye they are probably local. [Strong solutions or weak 
solutions* frequently applied dessicate the corneal epithelium] 

Temperature. — This may rise in cocaine poisoning. 

Kidneys, — Cocaine is most likely excreted by these organs. 
It increases the quantity of urine passed, and diminishes the ex- 
cretion of urea. It diminishes sexual excitability. 



drugs acting chiefly on the nervous system. 387 

Therapeutics of Coca. 

External. — A 5 to 10 per cent, solution of the hydrochlorate 
may be injected subcutaneously as a local anaesthetic when any 
small operation has to be performed. [In the infiltration method 
of Schleich three solutions are employed : cocaine hydrochlorate, 
0.2 (strong); 0.1 (normal); or 0.0 1 (weak) ; morphine hydro- 
chlorate, 0.025 ; sodium chloride, 0.2 ; sterilized distilled water 
or saturated boric acid solution to 100. These are injected into 
the substance of the skin forming wheals. This method requires 
less of the drug than when used subcutaneously. Yet it should 
be borne in mind that the anaesthetic properties of the two weaker 
solutions depend largely upon the mechanical anaesthesia pro- 
duced by injection of water, which had been previously pointed 
out by Halsted.] Solutions, painted or dropped on, maybe used 
for operations on the mouth, eye, ear, throat, teeth, vagina, 
urethra and rectum, and they may be applied to any of these 
parts when they are very painful. [Congestive urethral stricture 
may be temporarily relieved by it so that instruments may be 
passed, but it should be used with great care in urethral opera- 
tions.] Cocaine will relieve vaginal pruritus, and has been used 
locally applied in the nose in hay fever. Painful ulcers, fissures, 
etc., are beneficially treated with it. [Ophthalmic surgeons] 
employ it very largely to produce local anaesthesia of the eye. 
[If inflammation is present anaesthesia is produced with great 
difficulty.] 

Internal. — Mouth. — A solution is useful for painting or 
spraying on the throat previous to laryngeal examinations. 
Lozenges of the hydrochlorate, containing tV gr., [.005 gm.] in 
each, are valuable for painful sore throat. Often in addition 
each lozenge contains 3 gr. [.20 gm.] of extract of krameria. 

Stomach. — Cocaine in some cases allays excessive vomiting, 
and has been said to cure sea-sickness. 

It is not often used in Europe as a medicine for its restorative 
effects ; as already mentioned, it is not a food, and the good it 
does is only temporary. 

\_Respiration.~] — It is a respiratory depressant. 



388 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



[Toxicology. 

The number of cases of poisoning is very great, and although large 
amounts have been recovered from, smaller doses have given rise to great 
anxiety even when locally applied. 

Symptoms. — These are convulsions, complete unconsciousness, failure of 
circulation, slow respiration and dilated pupils. Not more than 3^ gr.; .045 
gm., should be applied at one time to a mucous surface. Cocaine habitues 
are by no means infrequently met with. The moral degradation is fully equal 
to that of opium-eaters. 

Treatment. — This should consist in stimulation, and emptying the stomach, 
if the drug has been ingested, by means of hypodermatic injections of apomor- 
phine. Artificial respiration may be required. Since cocaine asphyxiates by 
constricting the blood-vessels at the base of the brain, strychnine hypodermatic- 
ally or alcohol may remove this danger.] 

[EUCAINE HYDROCHLORAS. 

EUCAINE HYDROCHLORATE. (Not official.)— C 19 H 27 N0 4 HC1 
-|- H 2 = 386.61. The hydrochlorate of a synthetic alkaloid having a close 
chemical relationship to cocaine. This drug, being a carbon compound and not 
of vegetable origin, should properly be considered in Group XII of the In- 
organic Materia Medica, but its physiological action and therapeutic uses so 
closely resemble those of cocaine that it is presented here for the convenience 
of the student. 

Source. — By the action of one molecule of ammonia upon three molecules 
of acetone, triacetonamine is formed. This is then transformed into triacetona- 
mencyanhydrine by hydrocyanic acid. This compound when saponified 
becomes triacetonalkamin carbonic acid, ammonia being given off, when benzy- 
lated and methylated trimethylbenzoyltetramethyl — y — oxypiperidin carbonic 
acid — methylester or Eucaine is formed. 

Characters. — Permanent shining scales containing one molecule of 
water of crystallization. Solubility. — In about 6 parts of water. 

Incompatibles. — Caustic alkalies, alkaline carbonates and ammonia. 



Action of Eucaine Hydrochlorate. 

The general action of eucaine, both in cold and warm blooded 
animals, consist in a marked excitation of the entire central 
nervous system, followed by paralyzis ; in toxic doses going on 
to death. Small doses administered to mice and rabbits cause 
increased reflex excitability, and increased but weakened respira- 
tory movements. Medium doses in rabbits cause repeated tonic 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 389 

and clonic convulsions. The animals lie senseless on their sides, 
with dyspnoea, episthotonos, and finally paresis of the posterior 
limbs. These phenomena are most marked when large toxic 
doses are administered ; the convulsions return continuously, 
and affect all the muscles of the body. The animals finally 
die when the paralysis reaches the respiratory muscles. When 
the dose is not a fatal one, the convulsions gradually cease, 
the increased reflex excitability disappears, and the paresis of 
the hind limbs slowly improves. The effect on the central ner- 
vous system is therefore at first excitant, and later, in toxic doses, 
paralyzing. The paralysis is a central one, for if the sciatic nerve 
of a frog poisoned with eucaine is exposed, and its peripheral end 
irritated with the induced current, the limb reacts in a normal 
manner. As regards its action on the heart and the blood vessels, 
the subcutaneous and intravenous injection of small and medium 
doses slows the heart on the average from twenty to thirty beats 
per minute, but without otherwise modifying the beats, or increas- 
ing the blood pressure. This effect on the pulse is caused by the 
excitation of the central vagus ; for section of the vagi causes an 
immediate increase of the pulse to the normal and above it, 
together with an increase of the blood pressure. Death occurs 
from paralysis of the respiratory centres, for the heart continues 
to beat for some time thereafter (Vinci). 

Therapeutics of Eucaine Hydrochlorate. 

Eucaine is used in from i to 5 or even 10 per cent, solutions 
for the same purposes as is cocaine. The anaesthesia comes on 
somewhat more slowly, with solutions of the same strength is 
about equal to, and its effects last about the same time as with 
the latter drug. It possesses the disadvantage of causing hyper- 
semia of mucous membranes, and in 2 per cent, solution may 
irritate the conjuctiva. A 1 per cent, solution, however, does 
not cause any disturbance. It is preferable to cocaine in that 
its aqueous solutions are permanent and can be sterilized by heat 
without decomposition. It does not cause mydriasis nor dis- 
turbance of accomodation, nor does it dry the corneal epithelium, 
and further it is relatively safer, so far as circulation and respira- 



390 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

tion are concerned, than cocaine. Vinci claims that its solutions 
possess moderate antibacterial powers. 

In order to avoid the prickling sensations and hyperaemia to 
which eucaine gives rise, a substance known as benzoylvinyldiace 
tonalkamin hydrochlorate named eucaine B, a compound closely 
related chemically to eucaine, has been recommended. Its chem- 
ical and physiological properties, with the above exceptions, are 
the same. It is employed in from ^ to 4 per cent, (saturated) 
aqueous solution. The reports are not numerous, but, in the 

main, favorable. 

OUABAINUM. 

OUABAIN. (Not official.)— C 80 H 46 O 12 =s69.62. A glucoside isolated 
from the root of a tree, said to be the Acocanthera Ouabaio (nat. ord. Apocy- 
naceoe.) This glucoside is also obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus glabrus. 
Habitat. — Africa. 

Characters. — A white crystalline powder slightly bitter. Solubility. — 
Soluble in hot, but with difficulty in cold water ; insoluble in Chloroform and 
Ether. 

Dose, ^0 gr. ; .00013 gm. 

Action and Uses of Ouabain. 
Ouabain paralyzes cardiac muscle by direct action, and when 
given hypodermatically is an emetic. According to Gley it is a 
local anaesthetic, having ten times the power of cocaine. It has 
also been recommended for all stages of whooping cough in dose 
of 10V0 gr. ; .00006 gm., for children. As it is a very powerful 
drug eV gr. ; .001 gm., when taken into the blood, being suf- 
ficient to kill a man, it should be used with great caution. 

[C. The following stimulates the secretory nerves.] 
PILOCARPUS. 

PILOCARPUS. — Synonym. — Jaborandi. [The leaflets of Pilocarpus 
Selloanus Engler (Rio Janeiro Jaborandi), and of Pilocarpus Jaborandi 
Holmes (Pernambuco Jaborandi), (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — Brazil, near 
Pernambuco.] 

Characters. — [About 10 to 15 cm. long, and 4 to 6 cm. broad, short- 
stalked, oval or ovate-oblong, entire and slightly revolute at the margin, obtuse 
and emarginate, unequal at the base; dull green, coriaceous, pellucid punc- 
tate, mostly smooth; when bruised, slightly aromatic; taste somewhat bitter 
and pungent.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 391 

Impurities. — Leaves of species of Piper, not oval-oblong. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) A liquid, colorless, alka- 
loid, Pilocarpine, C u H 16 N 2 2 , ^ to ^ per cent. (2) Jaborine [C 22 H 32 N 4 4 ] 
an alkaloid resembling in its physiological action Atropine, and therefore 
antagonistic to Pilocarpine. (3) \_Pilocarpidine, C 10 H u N 2 O 2 , a decomposition 
product whose action is weaker than Pilocarpine.] (4) A volatile oil [chiefly 
Pilocarpene, C 10 H 16 ]. (5) A peculiar acid. These active principles are 
soluble in Alcohol, but only imperfectly so in water. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 
Extractum [Pilocarpi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Pilocarpus. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; [.30 to 4.00 c. c] 

PILOCARPINE [HYDROCHLORAS. — Pilocarpine Hydro- 
chlorate. C u H 16 N 2 2 HCl=243.o,8. The hydrochlorate of an Alkaloid 
obtained from Pilocarpus. 

Source. — Obtained by exhausting Pilocarpus with Alcohol acidulated 
with Hydrochloric Acid, distillation and evaporation. The filtrate is treated 
with a slight excess of Ammonia, and a large quantity of Chloroform. The 
solution is agitated with water, to which Hydrochloric Acid is added to neu- 
tralization. The Hydrochlorate is obtained on evaporation in crystals which 
are purified by re-crystallization. 

Characters. — Small, white crystals, odorless, and having a faintly bitter 
taste; deliquescent on exposure to damp air. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water and in Alcohol ; almost insoluble in Ether or Chloroform. 
Dose, yi to Ys gr. ; .008 to .02 gm.] 

Action of Pilocarpus. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Pilocarpine is very 
quickly absorbed, and soon produces a great increase in the 
amount of salivary secretion. The mouth seems warm, 
and there may be a feeling of tenderness about the salivary 
glands. The saliva contains an abundance of salts and ptyalin, 
and can convert starch into sugar. Its increase is due to a direct 
stimulation of the filaments of the chorda tympani and other 
nerves which end in the cells of the salivary glands, so that 
stimulation of these nerves can add very little to the flow pro- 
duced by the drug — in fact, not more than can be accounted for 
by vascular alterations. This action is antagonized immediately 



392 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



by belladonna, as that paralyzes the endings of these nerves. To 
a slight extent pilocarpine excites the secretion of the gastric 
juice and intestinal fluid. The unstriped muscle of the stomach 
and intestine is stimulated, and thus the drug may purge. The 
bile is unaffected. Large doses, especially of [pilocarpus], may 
produce vomiting. 

Circulation. — Pilocarpine has no effect on the blood, but it is 
a cardiac depressant. The pulse-rate, it is true, may be, and 
in the human being always is, a little accelerated at first, but 
soon both it and the blood-pressure fall. This slowing of the 
pulse is at once set aside by atropine, but is not prevented by 
section of the vagus, therefore pilocarpine acts on the heart itself, 
probably stimulating the terminations of the vagus. The blood- 
vessels are at first dilated. 

Respiration. — The drug has no effect on this. The amount 
of bronchial secretion is increased. 

Skin. — [Pilocarpus], through its alkaloid pilocarpine, produces 
a very profuse secretion of sweat. It is the most powerful 
diaphoretic drug we have. A single dose may cause the flow of 
fifteen fluid ounces [450. c.c] of sweat. It is said that the pro- 
portion of urea and chlorides in the sweat is greatly increased. 
This profuse diaphoresis is due to the action of the pilocarpine on 
the cells of the sweat-glands, or the terminations of the nerves in 
them, and is stopped by atropine. The skin may flush, but this 
is not the cause of the diaphoresis. Under a course of [pilo- 
carpus] the hair grows more actively, but it becomes very coarse 
and dark. 

Kidneys. — If the sweating is profuse, the secretion of urine is 
lessened, but repeated small doses of pilocarpine lead to slight 
diuresis. It is excreted unchanged in the urine. 

Temperature. — There may be a slight rise at first, but soon 
the temperature falls considerably. This is probably due in large 
part to the evaporation of the perspiration. 

Eye. — Whether applied locally to the eye or given internally, 
pilocarpine produces great contraction of the pupil, due to 
stimulation of the ends of the third nerve in the eye, and this is 
antagonized by atropine. It also causes increased tension of the 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 393 

eye-ball, and an approximation of the nearest and farthest points 
of distinct vision. 

Other actions. — It stimulates the uterus, and has in very rare 
cases produced abortion. It increases the secretion of milk, of 
tears, of nasal mucus, and, according to some authors, that of 
cerumen. It causes the spleen and bladder to contract. 

It will be noticed that it has two main actions, (i) It stimu- 
lates the secretions — viz., those of the salivary glands, stomach, 
intestines, skin, kidney, bronchial mucous membrane, nose, 
lachrymal glands and ear. In those that have been investigated, 
and probably in all, it acts locally. It has not been decided in 
every case whether the cells of the glands or the nerve termina- 
tions in them are affected. (2) It stimulates the nerve termina- 
tions of involuntary muscles — viz., in the eye, the intestines, the 
stomach, the uterus, the spleen, the heart, the bladder, and it acts 
on the muscular coat of the vessels, although these, if affected, 
are usually dilated. The most important effects are the diapho- 
resis, the salivation, and the myosis. It is consequently antago- 
nistic in its action to belladonna. Children bear large doses of 
it well. Pilocarpine is much more used than [pilocarpus], as it is 
more prompt and more certain in its action, and is less likely to 
cause indigestion. 

Jaborine has an action similar to that of atropine ; the amount 
of it in [pilocarpus] varies, hence the varying effects of different 
specimens of the leaves, but there is never enough to totally coun- 
teract the pilocarpine. 

Therapeutics of Pilocarpus. 

External. — Pilocarpine has been used locally to promote 
the growth of hair. An ointment (Pilocarpine [hydrochlorate], 
1 ; soft petrolatum, 60 ; hydrous wool fat, 60,) or a lotion (Pilo- 
carpine [hydrochlorate], 1 ; glycerin, 15 ; rose water, 45,) have 
been used. 

Internal. — Pilocarpine has been employed for many condi- 
tions, but its great use is as a diaphoretic in Bright' s disease. 
For this purpose y§ of a gr., [.01 gm.] or more of the [hydro- 
chlorate] is injected subcutaneously in the evening. The sweat- 



394 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ing is aided by wrapping the patient, who should be naked, in 
several warm blankets, and putting a hot water bottle to his feet. 
After the sweating has ceased, he should be dried and left in a 
dry blanket. As it is such a powerful cardiac depressant, it must 
be given with great caution when the heart is diseased. Occa- 
sionally it is employed locally in affections of the eye. Patients 
suffering from deafness due to disease of the auditory nerve or its 
terminations are sometimes relieved by pilocarpine. [It is often 
given internally for deafness due to otitis media sicca.] Injected 
subcutaneously, it has been given successfully as an antidote to 
belladonna poisoning. 



GROUP II. 
Vegetable Drugs whose main Action is on the Heart. 

Class. I. — The Digitalis group, decreasing the frequency and increasing 
the force of the beat of the heart : 

Digitalis, Strophanthus, Convallaria, Squill, Scoparius, [Erythroph- 
lceum, and Adonidin]. 
Class. II. — The Aconite group, decreasing the frequency and force of the 
beat of the heart : 

Aconite, Vera tram Viride, Veratrina. 

[Class. III. — The Cactus group, increasing the frequency and force of the 
beat of the heart. 

Cactus Grandiflorus. ] 

Class I.— THE DIGITALIS GROUP. 

DIGITALIS. 

DIGITALIS. — [Synonym. — Foxglove. The leaves of Digitalis Pur- 
purea Linne (nat. ord. Scrophularinece), collected from plants of the second 
year's growth. Habitat. — Europe, in sandy soil and the edges of woods. 

Characters. — From 10 to 30 cm. long, ovate or ovate-oblong, narrowed 
into a petiole ; crenate ; dull green, densely and finely pubescent ; wrinkled 
above ; paler and reticulated beneath ; midrib near the base broad ; odor slight; 
somewhat tea-like ; taste bitter, nauseous.] Resembling Digitalis leaves. — 
Matico leaves, which are more deeply reticulated. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Digitoxin } a glucoside, 
crystallizable, the most active principle very poisonous, cumulative. Insoluble 
in water, sparingly in Ether and Alcohol. (2) Digitalin, a crystalline gluco- 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 395 

side insoluble in Water. (3) Digitalein, an amorphous glucoside, soluble in 
water, and therefore suitable for hypodermatic injections; dose hypodermati- 
cally t ^q gr.; .0006 gm., said to be non-cumulative. These three glucosides 
are said to represent the cardiac stimulating action of the drug. (4) Digitonin, 
[C 27 H 44 13 ] a glucoside closely allied both chemically and physiologically to, 
and perhaps identical with, the Saponin of Senega (q. v.). Dose 3^ to 
Tiro S r -7 - 0002 to .0006 gm. This is a cardiac depressant, and is therefore 
antagonistic to the other three glucosides. (5) Digitin, a substance devoid of 
physiological action. All these five bodies are non-nitrogenous. (6) Two 
acids, Digitalic and Antirrhinic. (7) Other usual constituents of plants, as 
tannic acid, volatile oil, coloring matter, starch, sugar, gum, salts. It will be 
noticed that Digitalis contains no Alkaloids. 

The two following substances are met with in commerce: (A) Homolle's 
Digitalin (same as Quevenne's), an amorphous whitish powder or small scales, 
intensely bitter, inodorous, but irritating to the nostrils. [Soluble in 2000 
parts of water.] Consists chiefly of Digitalin with a little Digitoxin. Pos- 
sesses the action of the leaves. Granules of it are much used in France ; 
each usually contains -^ gr., .001 gm., which is equal to 1^ gr. ; .10 gm. of the 
powdered leaves. (B) Nativelle's Digitalin, [C 25 H 40 O 15 , light, white, crystal- 
line tufts of needles, very bitter. Soluble in Chloroform and in Alcohol, not in 
Water or Ether. It consists very largely of Digitoxin and is cumulative. 
Dose, -gL to 3L gr.; .001 to .002 gm. in a pill. (C) German Digitalin, con- 
sisting chiefly of Digitalein. (D) Digitalinum verum which consists almost 
entirely of Digitalin. [None of the above constituents are official]. 

Incompatibles. — Ferric salts, lead acetate, and cinchona. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 3 gr.; [.03 to .20 gm]. 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Digitalis. — Extract of Digitalis. By maceration 
and percolation with Alcohol and Water, distillation of the Alcohol, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, % to 1 gr. ; .015 to .06 gm. 

2. Extractum Digitalis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Digitalis. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, y z to 3 m. ; .03 to .20 c.c. 

3. Infusum Digitalis. — Infusion of Digitalis. Digitalis, 15; 
Cinnamon Water, 150; boiling water, 260; Alcohol, 100 ; cold water 
to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fi. dr. ] (note that it is drachms) ; not ounces; [4. to 
15. c.c] 



396 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

4. Tinctura Digitalis. — [Tincture of Digitalis. Digitalis, 150; 
Diluted Alcohol to 1000. By maceration and percolation. 
Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .03 to 2.Q0 c.c. 

As the proportion of the many constituents varies in the preparations, 
some prefer always to give the powdered leaves. The infusion contains much 
Digitonin and not much Digitoxin, the tincture contains both Digitalin and 
Digitoxin. 

Action of Digitalis. 

External. — The leaves are slightly irritating, but it is doubt- 
ful whether any of their constituents can be absorbed by the skin. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Digitalis is a mild 
gastro-intestinal irritant, and even moderate doses cause 
vomiting and diarrhoea in some people. 

Blood. — It is [not] rapidly absorbed ; it is not known to 
affect the blood. 

Heart. — The first action of digitalis is to slow the beat 
of the heart, the diastole is prolonged, the duration of the 
systole is not altered, but its force is greatly increased, so 
much so that after large doses the heart may, in animals, be seen 
to become pale, because every drop of blood is squeezed out of 
it. The pulse is consequently increased in force, but retarded. 
If before the drug was given the heart was beating irregularly, it 
generally becomes regular. If a larger dose is given, it is 
observed that the intense systolic contraction is not uniform all 
over the organ. The auricles and ventricles do not beat syn- 
chronously ; and even one portion — as the apex, for example — 
of the ventricle may remain spasmodically contracted during the 
diastole of the rest of the ventricle. This causes the heart to 
assume hour-glass and other curious shapes. Finally it is arrested 
in systole, and is firmly contracted, quite pale, and unable to 
respond to any mechanical or electrical stimuli. This account is 
true for all animals, except that sometimes in dogs and men the 
heart finally stops in diastole. 

That these phenomena are chiefly due to the direct action 
of the drug on the cardiac muscles is shown by the fact that 
digitalis not only acts when applied locally to the heart, but will 
even increase the force of the contraction, when applied to the 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 397 

isolated apex in which it is believed no nerves exist, and it acts 
on the embryonic heart of the chick before the nerves are devel- 
oped. But the inhibitory activity of the cardiac peripheral end 
of the vagus is increased ; for a mild stimulation of the vagi, 
which, before the drug was given, had no effect, will after the 
drug is given stop the heart, and in warm-blooded animals digi- 
talis does not very markedly retard the pulse, if the vagi have been 
cut, although it increases the force of the cardiac beat. Possibly 
to a slight extent the vagus centre in the medulla is stimulated, 
but the action of digitalis is to excite the cardiac muscle itself and 
[to a less degree] the cardiac inhibitory terminations of the vagus. 
Digitalis has been thought to affect the ganglia of the heart, but 
there is no satisfactory evidence of this. 

It has been proved that even small doses actually increase 
the amount of -work done by the heart in a given time. 

Vessels. — Moderate doses of digitalis produce a great rise 
in the blood-pressure. This is partly due to the greater 
cardiac force, but not entirely, for in the web of the frog's foot 
and the rabbit's mesentery the arterioles have been observed to 
contract vigorously when digitalis has been given. As this still 
occurs in arterioles quite separated from the body, and through 
which an artificial circulation of blood containing digitalis is 
carried on, it is clear that the drug contracts the arterioles by 
direct action on their muscular coat. But as the con- 
traction is greater in an intact animal than in one whose spinal 
cord is destroyed, or in whom the nerves going to the part exper- 
imented upon are divided, it is clear that digitalis also stimu- 
lates the medullary and spinal vaso-motor centres. With 
toxic doses the irritation of the centres and of the muscular coat 
of the arterioles passes on to depression, and the blood-pressure 
falls. 

Kidney. — The effect of digitalis on the kidney is very uncer- 
tain. Most experimenters have found that in health it is diuretic, 
but some have not, and the same discrepancy in its action on the 
kidney exists in patients with heart disease, but generally in these 
cases it is a diuretic. The reasons for these discrepancies are 
that if the arterial vessels are, like the rest of the vessels in the 



398 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

body, tightly contracted by the drug, very little blood will come 
to the kidney, and very little urine will be secreted ; but if the 
digitalis does not constrict the renal vessels markedly, the 
increased cardiac force and the general rise of blood-pressure will 
send more blood through the kidney and more urine will be 
excreted. Some observers state that digitalin and digitoxin have 
a special effect in relaxing the vessels of the kidney. If this is 
so, the question is still more complicated, for then the diuretic 
influence of digitalis will depend largely upon the particular 
preparation which is given. The truth probably is, that with a 
small dose of digitalis, or, in the first stage of a large one, the 
vessels of the kidney, like those of the rest of the body, are con- 
tracted, and the flow of urine is diminished ; but the renal 
arterioles, being the first in the body to suffer from the subse- 
quent arterial relaxation, dilate while the general blood-pressure 
is still high, and then digitalis acts as a powerful diuretic. We 
have no certain knowledge of the effect of digitalis on the consti- 
tution of the urine. 

Temperature. — Moderate doses have no influence on the tem- 
perature, but toxic doses cause it to fall even in health. The 
reason of this is unknown. 

Respiration. — This is unaffected by digitalis unless poisonous 
doses have been given, when it begins to fail from the imperfect 
circulation through the respiratory mechanism. 

Nervous system a?id muse/es. — Medicinal doses have no 
marked influence. Large doses will, because of the alterations 
in the cerebral circulation, cause headache, giddiness, and dis- 
turbances of sight and hearing. In many cases of poisoning all 
objects have appeared blue, [In acute poisoning there is a 
peculiar blue color of the sclerotic]. 

The reflex activity of the cord and motor nerves is depressed 
independently of the action on the circulation ; sensory nerves 
are unaffected. Digitalis directly paralyzes muscles if given in 
toxic doses. 

Uterus. — This organ is said to be stimulated to contract by 
digitalis. 



drugs acting chiefly on the heart. 399 

Therapeutics of Digitalis. 

External. — Digitalis is [sometimes] used externally [in the 
form of a poultice made from the leaves, and placed over the 
loins in case of renal congestion]. 

Internal. — It is one of the most valuable drugs we have. It 
is chiefly given in cases of cardiac disorder. 

Mitral regurgitation. — If in any case of this variety of heart 
disease the organ is beating feebly, irregularly, and rapidly, 
digitalis in moderate doses will probably strengthen, regulate, 
and slow the beat. It will cause the left ventricle to contract 
more forcibly and to act synchronously in all its parts ; hence 
the mitral flaps will be better approximated, the regurgitation 
will be less, and more blood will be sent on into the arterial cir- 
culation. The prolonged diastole will also be of great advan- 
tage, for it will allow more time for the blood to flow from the 
dilated auricle, and from the right side of the heart and venous 
system generally, into the left ventricle. In mitral regurgitation, 
as is well known, venous engorgement and oedema of the lungs, 
of the right side of the heart, of the liver, the kidneys, and sub- 
cutaneous tissues is very common. Digitalis, by improving the 
venous flow towards the heart, will ameliorate all these symptoms. 
It might be supposed that by constricting all the peripheral arte- 
rioles it would impede the arterial flow, because the heart will 
have to contract against a greater peripheral resistance, but this 
disadvantage is never enough to seriously hamper the increased 
cardiac power; and it must be remembered that it is a great 
advantage to the circulation to have a proper peripheral arterial 
resistance, for without that, the elastic coat of the arteries cannot 
aid the arterial flow. If, as it usually does in these cases, digi- 
talis acts as a diuretic, this will be of great value in removing the 
oedema, and in causing the scanty high-colored urine to become 
pale and abundant. The improvement in the circulation relieves 
the cardiac pain and distress which so commonly accompany 
mitral regurgitation, the lividity passes off, the dyspnoea de- 
creases, and usually in a day or two a wonderful improvement in 
the patient's condition takes place. The more any case of mitral 
regurgitation deviates from the above cedematous type, the less 



400 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

good, as a rule, will digitalis do. Thus cases in which there is 
much pain and distress and but little regurgitation, are not so 
often benefited, although even of such cases many are improved. 
Sometimes the vomiting caused by digitalis prohibits its use. 

Mitral constriction. — In this condition it is obvious that it 
will be a great advantage to lengthen the diastole, for then there 
will be a greater chance that the diastole will be long enough to 
allow the normal amount of blood to pass through the constricted 
orifice. In proportion as this end is attained, the oedema, 
lividity, and other signs of backward venous congestion will be 
relieved. The increased force of the auricular contraction caused 
by digitalis will help in the same direction, and if it induces 
diuresis, this is very valuable in aiding the reduction of the oedema. 

Diseases of the tricuspid valve. — In both tricuspid constric- 
tion and tricuspid regurgitation, digitalis will be beneficial in 
the same way as in similar affections of the mitral valve. As a 
rule, however, it does less good when the disease is on the right 
side of the heart. 

Ao7'tic regurgitation. — Often digitalis is harmful, for by pro- 
longing the diastole more time is allowed for the blood to flow 
back through the imperfectly closed aortic orifice, and hence 
there is great danger of fatal syncope. The drug should only be 
given in cases of aortic regurgitation, when the heart is very 
rapid, or when there is evidence that not much blood regurgi- 
tates, or when there are reasons, such as the coincident presence 
of aortic obstruction, for wishing to strengthen and regulate the 
contraction. The dose must be small and the effects must be 
carefully watched. 

Aortic constriction. — This, unfortunately, is usually accom- 
panied by aortic regurgitation ; but sometimes when it is wished 
to increase the force of the beat, and so to drive more blood 
through the constricted aortic orifice, digitalis is useful, or when, 
as a result of the obstruction, mitral dilatation and consequent 
regurgitation, with much pulmonary and venous engorgement, 
have set in. Many cases of pure aortic obstruction do not require 
drugs, for the heart hypertrophies sufficiently to overcome the 
obstruction. 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 401 

B?'ight s disease. — In cases of contracted granular kidney in 
which the cardiac hypertrophy has been unable to overcome the 
peripheral resistance, and consequently the left ventricle and with 
it the auriculo-ventricular orifice has dilated, and mitral regurgi- 
tation has therefore ensued, digitalis may be of service for the 
reasons given elsewhere (see p. 399). A diuretic pill, often used 
for this condition, consists of [calomel], digitalis, and squill a 
grain of each ; .06 gm. made up with extract of [hyoscyamus]. 
Otherwise, in chronic Bright 's disease, digitalis is not a suitable 
diuretic, for it raises the tension of the pulse, which is already 
high. In the earlier stages of acute Bright's disease it has been 
given as a diuretic, but it is questionable whether it is right to 
dilate the vessels of an acutely inflamed organ ; further, digitalis 
is always, unless the heart is diseased, an uncertain diuretic, and 
even in the early stage of acute Bright's disease the arterial ten- 
sion is somewhat raised. In chronic tubal nephritis, uncompli- 
cated by cardiac disease, it is worse than useless, for it has no 
effect on the renal cells, and it raises the blood-pressure. 

Diseases of the cardiac muscle. — If the heart be fatty, digi- 
talis may do good ; but it is said that there is danger of rupture 
of some of the softened fatty fibres. The weakly acting heart that 
is met with after pericarditis, typhoid fever, scarlet fever, rheu- 
matism, and other acute diseases, even if no valvular defects are 
present, is markedly strengthened by digitalis. Each contraction 
is more efficient, and the prolonged diastole allows more time 
for the muscle to rest. It is clear that in the course of twenty- 
four hours this additional repose,, although but little in each 
cycle, will amount to a considerable time. Many men who have 
practiced rowing or other hard exercise to excess, suffer from 
shortness of breath, and the apex of the heart is found to be a 
little outside the normal position, but there is no demonstrable 
valvular lesion. This condition, which also occurs in soldiers 
after a long campaign, is much benefited by digitalis. The 
dilatation of the right side of the heart that so frequently accom- 
panies chronic disease of the lungs may be, but usually is not, 
improved by digitalis. 
26 



402 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Functional disease[s] of the heart. — The irregular, palpitating 
beat, often seen apart from any organic disease, may be benefited 
markedly by digitalis ; but it must be remembered that this con- 
dition is commonly a result of indigestion, in which case the 
right treatment is, if possible, to cure the dyspepsia, and if 
digitalis is given at all, to do so cautiously, for it may excite 
indigestion. The functional affections of the heart met with in 
highly neurotic subjects may be, but are not always, benefited by 
digitalis 

Exophthalmic goitre may improve under a long course of 
digitalis, but generally this treatment fails. 

Hemorrhage. — Although digitalis contracts the arterioles, it 
is not often given as a haemostatic, for the increased blood-pres- 
sure may lead to greater haemorrhage, but it may be useful in the 
pulmonary haemorrhage due to disease of the mitral valve. 

Alcoholism. — Moderate doses of digitalis have been said to be 
serviceable in chronic alcoholism on account of their stimulating 
effect on the circulation. Enormous doses have been given em- 
pirically in delirium tremens, but generally without any good 
result. 

Uterus. — Because of its power to contract the uterus, digitalis 
may be useful in menorrhagia. 

[Digitalis is said to be useless if the patient suffers from high 
fever.] 

It is often desirable to combine fluid preparations of digitalis 
with iron salts, the resulting mixture, which is usually inky from 
the action of the iron on the tannic acid in the digitalis, can be 
clarified by the addition of a little diluted phosphoric acid. Be- 
cause of this difficulty the powdered digitalis leaves are often 
made into a pill with dried [ferrous] sulphate. 

Antagonism. 

Antagonism between Digitalis and Aconite. — Aconite is a cardiac poison } 
weakening instead of strengthening the beat ; it dilates the peripheral vessels, 
it lowers the blood-pressure, and after death the heart is always found in a 
condition of diastole. In all these points it is antagonistic to digitalis, but the 
action of aconite is very rapid, that of digitalis very slow. [Saponin and sen- 
egin are considered to be the most complete physiological antidotes.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 403 

Digitalis is cumulative. Patients who have taken it for a long while 
sometimes suddenly show symptoms of poisoning without any increase in the 
dose. This is because the drug is not excreted by the kidneys so fast as it is 
absorbed, therefore it accumulates in the body. 

STROPHANTHUS. 

STROPHANTHUS.— [The seed of Strophanti™ hispidus De Can- 
dolle (nat. ord. Apocynacece) } deprived of its long awn. Habitat. — Tropical 
Africa. 

Characters. — About r5 mm. long and 4 or 5 mm. broad, oblong-lance- 
olate, flattened and obtusely edged, grayish-green, covered with appressed, 
silky hairs, one side with a ridge extending into the attenuated, pointed end ; 
kernel white and oily, consisting of a straight embryo, having two thin cotyle- 
dons, and surrounded by a thin layer of perisperm ; nearly inodorous ; taste 
very bitter.] 

COMPOSITION.-The chief constituents are-(i) Strophanthine [C 31 H 48 12 .] 
It exists in all parts of the plant, but mostly in the seeds (1 to 4 per cent.) 
This is in all probability the same as, or closely allied to, the active principle 
Ouabain [see p. 390] which has been isolated from [another species of] Stro- 
phanthus. It is a transparent, white, imperfectly crystalline, bitter glucoside 
(being split up by acids into glucose and Strophanthidin). [Very] soluble in 
water; insoluble in Chloroform and Ether. [Strophanthine according to 
recent investigation, can be isolated from Strophanthus Kombe, and many 
other species of Strophanthus . (2) Kombic Acid, which is not identical in all 
varieties of Strophanthus. (3) Ineine, an Alkaloid. (4) Tanghinin, C 2Y H 40 O 8 , 
in rhombic prisms. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Strophanthi. — Tincture of Strophanthus. Strophan- 
thus, 50. By digestion and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 
1000. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c. c. 
Tincture of Strophanthus Kombe, from which the oil has been extracted 
and made from assayed material, is far more reliable. Of this the maximum 
dose is 5 m. ; .30 c. c] 

Action of Strophanthus. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Like digitalis, strophan- 
thus is liable to cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if 
the dose be large. [Generally these disturbances result from 
preparations from which the volatile oil contained in the seeds has 
not been extracted.] In small doses its bitter action may come 



404 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

into play, and then it will aid digestion like any other bitter 
stomachic. 

Heart.— Strophanthus acts on the heart exactly like digi- 
talis, for it strengthens the force without altering the duration 
of the systole, slows the rate of the beat, and consequently pro- 
longs the diastole, and makes an irregular heart regular. In fatal 
cases of poisoning by strophanthus, the heart may be arrested 
either in diastole or systole. The details of its cardiac action are 
the same as those of digitalis. 

Vessels. — It does not constrict the peripheral vessels, 
or at any rate very slightly; therefore, the slow rise of blood- 
pressure is almost entirely due to the action of the drug on the 
heart. This is the most important difference between it and 
digitalis, which contracts the vessels powerfully and consequently 
gives a greater rise of blood pressure, [and is the reason for the 
greater safety of the former.] 

Kidneys. — It is diuretic, [more] powerful than digitalis. 
Probably the diuresis is entirely due to the increased cardiac 
action. No special alteration in the size of the renal vessels takes 
place under strophanthus. 

Nervous system. — This is not affected. In toxic doses it is 
a direct poison to the voluntary muscles. Strophanthin is a 
powerful anaesthetic when dropped on the conjunctivae [of dogs]. 

Respiration. — No particular effect is produced. The African 
Kombe arrow poison is made from strophanthus. 

Therapeutics of Strophanthus. 

Strophanthus is used in the same varieties of cardiac disease as 
digitalis ; that is to say, when it is desirable to slow the heart, to 
increase its force, to make it regular, and to prolong the diastole. 
It is clear, therefore, that it will be chiefly valuable in cases of 
mitral disease. A priori, it might be thought that as strophanthus 
does not contract the peripheral vessels and so increase the car- 
diac resistance, consequently it would be the more useful drug, 
[and] experience has confirmed this [for certain cases] ; it will 
generally happen that strophanthus will not produce vomiting 
when digitalis does. [The advantages which strophanthus possesses 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 405 

over digitalis may be summed up as (i) greater rapidity, modi- 
fying pulse rate within an hour; (2) absence of vaso-constrictor 
effects ; (3) greater diuretic powers ; (4) no disturbance of diges- 
tion from properly made preparations; (5) absence of so-called 
cumulation ; (6) greater value in children ; and (7) greater safety 
in the aged. 

It should be the remedy of choice in all cases, (1) in which 
we wish to establish compensation ; (2) of arterial degeneration 
in which a remedy which causes more energetic cardiac contrac- 
tion is required ; (3) of cardiac disease when a diuretic is neces- 
sary; (4) of weak or irritable hearts; (5) of cardiac disease in 
childhood or old age.] 

CONVALLARIA. 

CONVALLARIA.— [The rhizome and roots of Convallaria majalis 
Linne (nat. ord. Liliacecz). Habitat. — United States, in the Allegheny Moun- 
tains ; Europe and Northern Asia. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth and somewhat branched, about 3 
mm. thick, cylindrical, wrinkled, whitish, marked with few circular scars; at 
the annulate joint are about eight or ten long, thin roots; fracture somewhat 
fibrous, white ; odor peculiar, pleasant ; taste sweetish, bitter, and somewhat 
acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Convallamarin, [C 46 H 44 
24 ], a glucoside the active principle; [a white, bitter-sweet powder, soluble 
in water and Alcohol. (2) Convallarin, [C 34 H 31 O n , a glucoside, in acrid 
prisms, sparingly soluble in, but foaming with water, soluble in Alcohol, but 
not in Ether.] This is said only to purge. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Convallariae [Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Con- 
vallaria. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m.; .30 to 2.00 c. c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Convallaria. 
The action of convallaria is precisely that of digitalis, and it 
may be given in exactly the same varieties of heart disease. It 
is sometimes successful when digitalis has failed. It is not so 
powerful as digitalis, but some find it less likely to produce sick- 
ness. [It is said to act more powerfully upon the right heart, but 



406 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

this is probably not true. A more extended experience seems to 
indicate that this drug is very unreliable.] 

SCILLA. 

SQUILL. — [Synonym. — Sea Onion. The bulb of Urginea maritima 
(Linne) Baker (nat. ord. Liliacece), deprived of its dry, membranaceous outer 
scales, and cut into thin slices, the central portions being rejected. Habitat. 
— Basin of the Mediterranean near the sea. 

Characters. — In narrow segments, about 5 cm. long, slightly translucent, 
yellowish-white or reddish, brittle and pulverizable when dry, tough and flexi- 
ble after exposure to damp air; inodorous; taste mucilaginous, bitter and 
acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Scillitoxin, the most 
active principle; (2) [Scillipicrin, acting upon the heart; (3) Scillin, pro- 
ducing numbness and vomiting; (4) Mucilage. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Acetum Scillae. — [Vinegar of Squill. Squill, 100; Diluted 
Acetic Acid, by maceration and percolation, to 1 000. 

Vinegar of Squill is used to prepare Syrupus Scillae. 
Dose, 10 to 45 m. ; .60 to 3. 00 c.c. 

2. Extractum Scillae Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Squill. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Squill is used to prepare Syrupus Scillae Com- 
positus. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Scillae. — Tincture of Squill. Squill, 150. By ma- 
ceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, to 1 000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

4. Syrupus Scillae. — Syrup of Squill. Vinegar of Squill, 450; 
Sugar, 800 ; water to 1000. By solution and straining. 

Dose, yi to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

5. Syrupus Scillae Compositus. — Compound Syrup of Squill. 
Synonym. — Hive Syrup. See Antimony, p. 218.] 

Action of Squill. 

Squill so closely resembles digitalis in its action that the 
account of that drug will apply to squill, with the following addi- 
tions : Squill is a much more powerful gastro-intestinal 
irritant ; vomiting and purging result from even moderate doses, 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 407 

and after death, if animals are killed with it, much gastro-enteritis 
is found. In the second place, some constituent of squill is 
excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane, and in passing 
through it irritates it. The vascularity and the amount of secre- 
tion are thereby increased. Squill is, therefore, a powerful ex- 
pectorant. Thirdly, squill in the course of its excretion through 
the kidneys stimulates them ; it is, therefore, a more energetic 
diuretic than digitalis, and it may irritate the kidneys ex- 
cessively. 

Therapeutics of Squill. 

Because of its irritating properties, squill is not given alone, 
but it is frequently combined with digitalis when that drug is 
administered for heart disease or as a diuretic. A very favorite 
diuretic pill is composed of squill, digitalis and calomel, i gr. 
[.06 gm.] of each, made up [with extract of hyoscyamus, 
iyi gr. ; .09 gm. This is sometimes known as Guy's triplex 

pin.] 

Squill is much used as an expectorant. Here also it is always 
prescribed in combination ; it is too irritating to the bronchial 
mucous membrane for it to be advisable to give it in acute bron- 
chitis ; nor should it be chosen in phthisis, lest it should cause 
dyspepsia ; but it is valuable in chronic bronchitis if the secretion 
is scanty. 

Squill should not be given in acute Bright's disease, for it is 
too irritating to the kidneys. [Vinegar of squill should not be 
prescribed with ammonium carbonate. J 

SCOPARIUS. 

SCOPARIUS. — Synonym. — Broom. The tops of Cytisus Scoparms 
[(Linne) Link (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Western Asia, Southern 
and Western Europe ; naturalized in some localities in the United States. 

Characters. — In thin, flexible, branched twigs, pentangular, winged, 
dark green, nearly smooth, tough, usually free from leaves ; odor peculiar 
when bruised; taste disagreeably bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Scoparin, C 21 H 22 O 10 , a 
[tasteless, amorphous, neutral principle. (2) Sparteine, C 15 H 26 N 2 , a colorless, 
oily, very bitter alkaloid. (3) Tannic Acid. 

Dose, % to 1 dr.; 1. to 4. gm.] 



408 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Scoparii Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Scoparius. 
By maceration, and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, % to i fl dr. ; i. to 4. c.c] 

SPARTEINE SULPHAS. Sparteine Sulphate. — C 15 H 26 N 2 H 2 
S0 4 +4H 2 0= 4 o 3 .23. 

Source. — The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from Scoparius. 
It is obtained by extracting the plant with water acidulated with Sulphuric 
Acid, concentrating, decomposing with Sodium Hydroxide, and distilling. The 
Sulphate is prepared from the Alkaloid by neutralization with Sulphuric Acid, 
and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, white, prismatic crystals, or a granular powder, 
odorless, and having a slight saline and somewhat bitter taste. Liable to 
attract moisture when exposed to damp air. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
water and Alcohol. 

Dose, T L to 2 gr. ; .006 to .12 gm.] 

Action of Broom. 
Broom has no external action, and very little beyond the fact 
that it is diuretic is known about its internal action ; [its alka- 
loid sparteine sulphate in poisonous doses causes, in the lower 
animals, tremblings, inco-ordination, increase of reflexes, clonic 
and tonic convulsions, embarrassment of the respiration, accelera- 
tion of the pulse, and enfeeblement of the heart, followed by 
enfeeblement of all the functions, convulsions, and death from 
asphyxia. It paralyzes the respiratory centres and the motor 
centres of the spinal cord, but has a very feeble influence upon 
the muscles, lessening, though not destroying, their excitability. 
According to Laborde, under the influence of this alkaloid there 
is a very great increase in the size and height of the cardiac wave. 
If the dose has been a small one, the pulse is at first accelerated ; 
after large doses there is a slowing. The arterial pressure is not 
materally changed unless the dose is toxic, when it falls. Small 
doses weaken, and large ones paralyze the pneumogastric ; upon 
the vaso-motor system it appears to have no influence, unless in 
very large toxic doses, when it, perhaps, acts as a paralyzant. 
Scoparin probably represents the diuretic principles of the 
plant.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 409 

Therapeutics of Broom. 
Broom is a very useful diuretic. It is usually given in com- 
bination with other diuretics in cases of dropsy from heart disease 
or interstitial nephritis. If there is acute renal inflammation it 
should not be prescribed. [According to See, sparteine sulphate 
is of very great value in producing regularity in cases of irregular 
cardiac action. It accelerates the beats when a weak, atonic 
state is present, and has the great advantage of acting quickly, is 
not cumulative, on the whole is probably inferior to digitalis in 
power, but it is useful in uncompensated cardiac disease.] 

ERYTHROPHLCEUM. 

SASSY BARK. (Not official). — Synonyms. — [Mancona Bark.] 
Ordeal Bark. Casca Bark. The bark of Erythrophleum guineense (nat. ord. 
Leguminosce) . \_Habitat.~\ — Africa. 

Characters. — [In flat or curved pieces of irregular size, about 6 mm. 
thick, covered externally with an uneven warty and fissured corky layer, or 
deprived of the same, of a dull brown color. It is hard, brittle, of a fibrous 
texture, internally with pale yellowish brown spots, inodorous, of an astringent, 
somewhat bitter and acrid taste, and when powdered excites sneezing.] 

Composition. — The active principle is Erythrophlceine , a [colorless alka- 
loid, soluble in Water and Alcohol ; this is a local anaesthetic (Koller)]. 

Action and Therapeutics of Erythrophlgeum. 
The action of erythrophlceum [of which a 10 per cent, tincture 
has been recommended in dose of from 5 to 10 m. ; .30 to .60 
c.c, by the British Pharmaceutical Conference] is the same as that 
of digitalis, and it may be used for the same class of cases. [In 
organic cardiac disease its effect in slowing the pulse and in in- 
creasing the urine is by no means constant nor lasting.] It is, 
however, more likely to cause vomiting. 

[ADONIDINUM. 

ADONIDIN. (Not official). — A glucoside obtained from Adonis Ver- 
nalis (nat. ord. Ranunculacece). Synonym. — False Hellebore. Habitat. — 
Northern Europe and Asia. 

Characters. — This glucoside occurs as a somewhat hygroscopic, canary- 
colored powder, of intensely bitter taste ; soluble in water and Alcohol ; insol- 
uble in Ether, Chloroform and Benzin. 

Dose, 14 to l A & r - > - 01 to -° 2 & m - 



410 organic materia medica. 

Action and Uses of Adonidin. 
Adonidin markedly increases the arterial pressure while de- 
creasing the pulse rate. The primary rise is chiefly of cardiac 
origin, the slowing of the rate is due to stimulation of the inhibi- 
tory nerves. The late fall of blood-pressure is due, at least in 
great part, to vaso-motor paralysis. In its action it is more 
prompt than digitalis, and, according to Durand, does not have 
a cumulative action. If it is diuretic, it is chiefly through its 
effects upon the circulation. It is used for the same class of cases 
as digitalis.] 

Class II.— THE ACONITE GROUP. 

ACONITUM. 

ACONITE.— [Synonyms. — Monkshood. Wolfsbane. The tuber of 
Aconitum Napellus Linne (nat. ord. Ranunculacecz). Habitat. — Mountainous 
districts of Europe, Asia, and Northwestern North America. 

Characters. — From 10 to 20 mm. thick at the crown; conically con- 
tracted below; from 50 to 75 mm. long, with scars or fragments of radicles; 
dark brown externally ; whitish internally; with a rather thick, bark, the cen- 
tral axis about seven -rayed; without odor; taste at first sweetish, soon becom- 
ing acrid, and producing a sensation of tingling and numbness, which lasts for 
sometime.] Resembling Aconite. — Horseradish [a. v.). 

Composition. — The active principle is the very poisonous alkaloid Aco. 
nitine (see [below]). Other principles are, perhaps, Pseudo-aconitine, [C 36 H 49 
; H 39 N0 1]? Pseudo-aconine, C 27 H 41 N0 8 , Picro-aconiline, C 31 
i with Aconitic Acid, H 

Dose, )/ z to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Preparations. 
[1. Extractum Aconiti. — Extract of Aconite. By maceration 
and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, j 1 ^ to % gr.; .006 to .015 gm. 

2. Extractum Aconiti Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Aconite. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation 

Dose, }i to 2 m. ; .03 to .12 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Aconiti. — Tincture of Aconite. Aconite, 35. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1 000. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 5 m. ; .03 to .30 c.c. 

It should be remembered that Fleming's Tincture of Aconite, which is 
found in the shops, is nearly twice as strong as the official tincture.] 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 411 

ACONITINA.— [Aconitine. (B. P., not official).— C 33 H 42 N0 12 ? == 

[645.54.?] 

Source. — It is precipitated from an aqueous solution of an alcoholic 
extract of the powdered root by Ammonia, and then purified. 

Characters. — A white, amorphous substance of very varying composi- 
tion. Causes tingling and numbness of the skin ; an intense poison. It is 
never given internally. Solubility. — In 2600 parts of cold water, in 40 parts 
of Alcohol or Ether, in I part of Chloroform. 

Preparation, [£. P., not official.] 

Unguentum Aconitinae. — [Aconitine Ointment.] Aconitine 
dissolved in Alcohol, 1 ; Benzo[in]ated Lard, 55. 

Action of Aconite. 

External. — Applied to the skin, to a mucous membrane, or 
to a raw surface, aconite or its alkaloid first stimulates and then 
paralyzes the nerves of touch and temperature ; it therefore causes 
first tingling, then numbness and local anaesthesia, which 
last some time. 

Internal. — Gastro-intcstinal tract. — Unless it is very dilute, 
numbness and tingling are produced in the mouth. There are 
no other gastro-intestinal symptoms unless the dose is very large, 
when there may be vomiting. 

Heart. — The rate of the beat maybe at first a little increased 
by aconite, but soon the pulse is very decidedly slowed, shortly 
after that the force and tension become less. Finally the 
heart is arrested in diastole. It is certain that towards the end 
of its action aconite influences the heart itself, for it will retard 
the excised organ when applied directly to it. It is extremely 
probable that in the earlier stages the drug acts upon the cardiac 
nerves or their centres, but the details of such action are not 
known. The effect on the heart leads to a fall of blood- 
pressure, but whether this is partly due to an action on the 
vaso-motor system itself, is undecided. [Aconite has been named 
the vegetable lancet.] 

Respiration. — The rate of respiration is slowed, expiration 
and the pause after it are considerably prolonged. This is chiefly 
due to the action of aconite on the centre in the medulla, but in 



412 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

part to the paralysis of the peripheral endings of the afferent 
vagal fibres. 

Nervous system. — The evidence is very conflicting, but it 
appears clear that aconite, whether given internally or applied 
locally, depresses the activity of the peripheral terminations 
of the nerves ; the nerves of common sensation and tem- 
perature are affected before the motor. Any pain that may be 
present is relieved. Later on, the paralysis of the motor nerves 
gives rise to muscular weakness. It is doubtful whether the cord 
is influenced. The brain is not. The pupil is first contracted, 
then dilated. 

Temperature. — Aconite causes a febrile temperature to fall. 
The cause of this is not known. 

Skin. — Aconite is a mild diaphoretic ; in this case also we 
do not understand how it acts. Occasionally it produces an 
erythematous rash. 

Kidneys. — It is said to be a feeble diuretic, but its effect is 
very slight. We do not know the channel by which it is elimi- 
nated. 

Therapeutics of Aconite. 

External. — As aconite produces local anaesthesia, it is ap- 
plied externally and often with great benefit in cases of neuralgia, 
especially facial neuralgia. Frequently it fails, and we cannot tell 
beforehand whether it will succeed. A small piece of the oint- 
ment [B. P.] may be rubbed in till numbness is produced, but as 
this is a very expensive preparation it is usually better to paint 
on the liniment [B. P., a 40 per cent, solution of the powdered 
root in alcohol, to which 2 per cent of camphor is added], 
with a camel's-hair brush. The pain of chronic rheumatism is 
sometimes relieved by aconite. 

Internal. — It may be given internally for neuralgia, but it 
does not succeed nearly so well as when applied externally. It 
is not used internally as much as formerly, when it was admin- 
istered in almost every febrile disease, with the object of decreas- 
ing the force and tension of the pulse. Certainly it does this 
very effectually, and the only reason why it is not so popular at 
the present time is, that it is not now thought desirable to reduce 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 413 

the force and frequency of the heart in these diseases. Perhaps 
it is used too little, for many believe that the milder febrile 
diseases, such as tonsilitis, laryngitis, or a common cold, are dis- 
tinctly benefited by aconite. In addition to retarding the pulse 
it increases perspiration and lowers the temperature. As large 
doses diminish the force of the heart, it is usually given in doses 
of two or three minims [.12 or .20 c.c] of the tincture every hour 
or so till the pulse falls to nearly normal ; for the same reason it 
is not advisable to use it for prolonged fevers, as typhoid, nor 
when the heart is diseased, except in the few cases in which there 
is sufficient compensative cardiac hypertrophy. In such cardiac 
cases it is sometimes useful to slow the pulse, even when there is 
no fever. It will occasionally relieve the pain of aneurism. A 
common practice was to combine with it one or two minims ; 
[ 06 or .12 c.c] of Vinum Antimonii, as that has much the same 
action on the heart. Formerly it was much used in surgery if it 
was feared that inflammation might set in after injuries. 

Toxicology. 

Symptcnns . — They come on quickly ; in a few minutes there is a severe 
burning, tingling sensation in the mouth, followed by numbness. Vomiting [is 
not common, but may] begin in an hour or so, and [then] is very severe. 
There is an intense abdominal burning sensation. The skin is cold and 
clammy. Numbness and tingling, with a sense of formication of the whole 
skin, trouble the patient very much. The pupils are dilated, the eyes fixed and 
staring. The muscles become very feeble, hence he staggers. His pulse is 
small, weak and irregular. There is difficulty of respiration. Death takes 
place from asphyxia, or in some cases from syncope. He is often conscious to 
the last. Post-mortem. — The usual signs of death from asphyxia are seen. 

Treatment. — Wash out the stomach promptly, give emetics {see p. 132). 
Inject stimulants, as ether or brandy, subcutaneously ; apply warmth. Atropine 
and the tincture of digitalis should be given subcutaneously. 

AMYL COLLOID. (Not official ) . — Synonym. — Anodyne Colloid. The 
composition of this is Amyl Hydride, 480; Aconitine, I; Veratrine, 6; Col- 
lodion to 960. It is a fluid preparation. 

Action and Therapeutics of Amyl Colloid. 

Amyl colloid is painted on the skin over painful areas in neu- 
ralgia, sciatica, etc. It is an elegant method of obtaining the 



414 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

local anaesthetic action of aconitine and veratrine, which is aided 

by the evaporation of amyl hydride ; [but it is extremely difficult 

to make a clear solution.] When the collodion has formed a film, 

a piece of warm, moist spongiopiline helps the anaesthetic effect of 

the alkaloids. 

VERATRUM VIRIDE. 

VERATRUM VIRIDE. — Synonyms.— [American Hellebore. Green 
Hellebore. The rhizome and roots of Veratrum viride Solander (nat. ord. 
Liliacecs). Habitat. — North America, in rich woods. 

Characters. — Rhizome upright, obconical, simple or divided, from 3 to 
8 cm. long, and 2 to 4 or 5 cm. thick, externally blackish-gray, internally 
grayish-white, showing numerous short, irregular wood-bundles. Roots ema- 
nating from all sides of the rhizome, numerous, shrivelled, light yellowish- 
brown, about 10 to 20 cm. long, and 2 mm. thick. Inodorous, but strongly 
sternutatory when powdered; taste bitterish and very acrid.] Resembling 
Veratrum, — Valerian, Serpentaria, and Arnica, but Veratrum has thicker root- 
lets, and no odor. 

Compositon. — The chief constituents are — (1) Jervine [C 26 H 37 N0 3 , an 
alkaloid, non-sternutatory. (2) Pseudojervine, an alkaloid, resembling Jervine. 
(3) Veratroidine, sometimes called Cevadine, uncrystallizable, and sternuta- 
tory, is probably mostly Rubijervine. (4) Resin.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Veratri Viridis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Veratrum Viride. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c] 

2. Tinctura Veratri Viridis. — [Tincture of Veratrum Viride. 
Veratrum Viride, 400. By maceration and percolation, with Alcohol 

to IOOO. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c. 

It should be remembered that Norwood's Tincture of Veratrum Viride, 
which is found in the shops, is one-tenth stronger than the official.] 

Action of Veratrum Viride. 

The action of veratrum viride is very complex, as it contains 
so many alkaloids, but experiments have only been made on two 
active principles. These are jervine, and a substance, vera- 
troidine, which further analysis shows to consist chiefly of 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 415 

rubijervine, resin, and, perhaps, some other bodies. Jervine, 
veratroidine, and veratrum viride will be considered separately. 

Jervine. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — When administered in- 
ternally this substance produces profuse salivation, but neither 
vomiting nor purging. 

Circulation. — The pulse is markedly lessened in frequency 
if the animal is quiet, but often the convulsions produced by the 
jervine cause a rapid pulse. The force of the cardiac beat is not 
at first altered. The blood-pressure falls at once, and con- 
tinues to fall till death. Experiments made by excluding dif- 
ferent parts show that these effects are produced by a powerful 
direct depressant effect on the cardiac muscle itself, 
and that the vaso-motor nerve-centres are powerfully para- 
lyzed. 

Respiration. — This is profoundly depressed, and death takes 
place from asphyxia. 

Nervous system. — Early in the case there is muscular 
weakness, and this becomes more and more marked, so that 
the animal cannot stand, and reflex action is abolished. Yet, 
weak as these muscles are, they are soon violently convulsed, 
and it is found that jervine produces these apparently contrary 
effects by energetically stimulating the cerebral motor centres, 
but at the same time paralyzing the anterior cornual cells of the 
spinal cord, although not sufficiently to prevent the very strong 
impulses from the cerebral centres reaching the muscles and 
causing convulsions. The muscles themselves and the motor 
and sensory nerves are not affected ; or, if they are, they are de- 
pressed a little, just before death. Consciousness and the pupils 
are uninfluenced. 

Veratroidine. — Gastrointestinal tract. — This substance 
always produces vomiting and sometimes purging. 

Circulation. — At first it lessens the pulse-rate because it 
stimulates the pneumogastric, consequently the blood-pressure 
falls, and if artificial respiration is kept up these effects continue 
till, if very large doses have been given, the stimulation of the 
vagi passes into paralysis, and then the pulse rises in frequency. 
Veratroidine probably has no action on the vaso-motor centres. 



416 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Its influence on the respiratory centres is so intense that if arti- 
ficial respiration is not maintained, the effects of the asphyxia so 
mask those of the drug on the vagi that the blood-pressure rises, 
and the pulse becomes rapid. 

Respiration. — The function of respiratory centres is power- 
fully depressed, the animal soon becomes asphyxiated and 
dies. 

Nervous system. — The action is the same as that of jervine. 

Veratrum Viride. — The symptoms produced by this drug 
in man are as follows. They are easily explained by the com- 
bined action of jervine and veratroidine : — The frequency and 
force of the pulse are profoundly depressed. There may be 
severe nausea and vomiting. After large doses the pulse becomes 
very feeble and uneasy, there is difficulty of respiration and 
intense muscular weakness. Convulsions are not common in 
man. The temperature may fall several degrees. 

Therapeutics of Veratrum Viride. 

It is the opinion of most authorities that veratrum viride 
should be prescribed with great caution, as it is such a powerful 
poison. It has been given as a cardiac depressant, but antimony 
and aconite are much safer. Some have, however, claimed that 
it is a better cardiac depressant than aconite, because the vomit- 
ing it induces quickly indicates that too large a dose has been 
administered ; but if the pulse is carefully watched, too much 
aconite need not be given, and the vomiting itself is objection- 
able. 

VERATRINA. 

VERATRINE. — [A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seed of 
Asagrcza officinalis (Schlechtendal et Chamisso, Lindley (nat. ord. Liliacece). 
Habitat. — Mexico to Venezuela. 

Source. — (i) The seed is exhausted with Alcohol, and the Alcohol 
recovered by distillation. (2) The residuary liquid is diluted with water to 
precipitate the resins and filtered. (3) Ammonia is added to the filtrate, when 
veratrine is precipitated. (4) It is then redissolved, decolorized, and repre- 
cipitated. 

Characters. — A white or grayish-white, amorphous or semi-crystalline 
powder, odorless, but causing intense irritation and sneezing when even a 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 417 

minute quantity reaches the nasal mucous membrane ; having an acrid taste, 
and leaving a sensation of tingling and numbness on the tongue ; permanent 
in the air. Solubility. — Very slightly soluble in water; soluble in 3 parts of 
Alcohol ; also soluble in 6 parts of Ether, and in 2 parts of Chloroform. 
Dose, g X o to t l gr.; .002 to .006 gm. 

Preparations, 

1. Oleatum Veratrinse. — Oleate of Veratrine. Veratrine, 2; 
Oleic Acid, 98.] 

2. Unguentum Veratrinae. — Veratrine [Ointment. Veratrine, 
4; Olive Oil, 6; Benzoinated Lard, 90.] 

Action of Veratrine. 

External. — Veratrine has no effect when applied to the 
unbroken skin, but it is a powerful irritant when rubbed in ; it 
then causes a feeling of warmth, followed by pricking, severe 
pain, and finally numbness. There is at the same time consider- 
able hyperemia. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Its irritant action is 
even more marked on mucous membranes than on the skin. In- 
halation of the minutest portion causes great irritation of the 
mucous membrane of the nose, violent sneezing, and a free 
discharge of mucus, which may be bloody. A minute por- 
tion upon the tongue gives rise to burning pain and profuse 
salivation. On arriving at the stomach and intestine it pro- 
duces great epigastric pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Blood. — Veratrine is quickly absorbed. It is not known to 
affect the living blood, but it kills the white corpuscles in drawn 
blood. 

Heart. — It acts directly on the cardiac muscle as it does upon 
voluntary muscle; that is to say, the contractions of the heart 
become fewer, but each lasts a very long while until 
ultimately the heart stops in systole. It also acts on the vagus 
as on spinal nerves, the functional activity being first exalted, 
and this is partly the reason - of the slowing of the heart ; after- 
wards the vagus is depressed, but this does not cause a quickening 
of the pulse because of the action of the veratrine on the cardiac 
muscle, but it may make the beat irregular. The blood-pressure 
at first rises from the increased force of the beat, but when the 
27 



418 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

heart becomes very slow it falls. Possibly these effects are also, in 
part, owing to the action of the drug on the vaso-motor centres. 

Respiration. — Small doses quicken respiration, large ones 
retard it, producing long pauses, and finally arresting it. These 
results are probably due at first to stimulation, and afterwards to 
paralysis of the ends of the vagus in the lung, and to paralysis of 
the respiratory centres. The temperature is lowered. 

Nervous system. — The brain is unaffected, and probably 
veratrine has no influence on the spinal cord. Motor nerves 
are first excited and then paralyzed ; and the same is true 
of sensory nerves and their endings, but here the primary 
stimulation is very marked, hence the pain produced by the local 
inunction of veratrine. 

Muscles. — The effect of veratrine is peculiar and characteris- 
tic. In animals to which it has been given, or in excised muscles 
to which it is applied, it is found that the period during which a 
single contraction lasts is enormously prolonged. If a 
tracing of the contraction be taken it will be seen that the latent 
period and the time of the ascent of the curve are unaltered, that 
the height is greatly increased and the descent is extraordinarily 
extended. This is a genuine lengthened contraction, which is 
neither rigor nor tetanus, but it almost exactly resembles the con- 
traction of the muscles met with in Thomsen's disease. This 
effect of veratrine disappears if the muscle is cooled. 

Therapeutics of Veratrine. 

External. — Veratrine [as an oleate or ointment] has been 
much used as an inunction for neuralgia, and sometimes it succeeds 
admirably, generally in the same class of cases as are benefited by 
the local application of aconite. [See also amyl colloid, p. 413]. 

Internal. — It is rarely given internally, as it has such a 
powerful and peculiar action on the heart. 

Class III.— THE CACTUS GROUP. 
CACTUS. 
CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS.— Synonym — Night-blooming Cereus # 
The stems of Cactus Grandiflorus Linne (nat. ord. Cactacece). Habitat. — 
Tropical America; cultivated 



I 



DRUGS ACTING CHIEFLY ON THE HEART. 419 

Characters. — Its branches, or stems, are scandent, diffuse, radicant, 
slightly 5 to 7 angular; areolae, 5 to 12 spinuloses spinules short, 4 to 6 mm. 
long, nearly equalling the whorl ; flowers large, nocturnal, white, pleasantly 
and strongly fragrant; the calyx is about 15 to 20 cm. in diameter; the inside 
being of a splendid yellow, the outside is of a dark brown ; the petals of a pure 
white ; and there is a vast number of recurved stamens in the centre. 

Constituent. — It is believed to contain an alkaloid, Cactine, but this 
has not been satisfactorily demonstrated. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Cacti Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cactus. By macer- 
ation and percolation of the fresh flowering branches with Alcohol and 
Water and evaporation. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Cactus. 

The action of cactus is upon the intra cardiac ganglia and 
accelerator nerves, through the cardiac plexus of the sympathetic, 
and there is not any interference with the inhibitory nerves, nor, 
indeed, does its administration produce any very marked vaso- 
motor changes. It shortens the ventricular diastole, thus quick- 
ening the pulse, and increases the blood-pressure. It is useful in 
cardiac weakness, that is, relative incompetency ; in convales- 
cence from typhoid fever; in simple eccentric cardiac dilatation; 
in functional cardiac diseases, from tea, coffee, tobacco and 
alcohol, dyspepsia, neurasthenia of the climacteric, sexual ex- 
haustion ; in the "slow heart," from over-stimulation of the 
pneumogastric or degeneration of the muscular wall of the ven- 
tricles. It is of very great use in aortic regurgitation, but is 
absolutely contra-indicated in mitral stenosis, thus being of value 
in those cases where the use of digitalis is inadmissible. It has 
a sphere of action entirely of its own, not, however, replacing 
the digitalis or the aconite group, but it is useful in many cases 
where these drugs are not only dangerous, but absolutely contra- 
indicated. Failures to obtain results depend upon the fact that 
many adulterated specimens are found in the shops or upon the 
uses of inert, dried material. If made from the green plant the 
fluid extract is of peculiar green color.] 



420 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



GROUP III. 

Vegetable Drugs employed for their action on the Respiratory Organs 
and not falling among Volatile Oils. {See Group VI.) 

Senega, [Sanguinaria, Pulsatilla,] Ipecacuanha, 

[Allium,] Lobelia, [Asclepias, Castanea, Inula, 

Aspidosperma, Eridictyon, and Cocillafia.] 

These are all gastrointestinal irritants. Senega and Ipecacuanha are both 
excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane, which they irritate. Group II. 
is connected with this group by Senega, which acts on the heart like Squill, 
and like it is excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane. 

SENEGA. 

[SENEGA. — The root of Polygala Senega Linne (nat. ord. Polygalece). 
Synonym. — Senega Snakeroot. Habitat. — United States, westward to Minne- 
sota. 

Characters. — About 10 cm. long, with a heavy knotty crown, and 
spreading, tortuous branches, keeled when dry, fleshy and round after having 
been soaked in water ; externally yellowish-gray or brownish-yellow ; bark 
thick, whitish within, enclosing an irregular, porous, yellowish wood; odor 
slight, but unpleasant; taste sweetish, afterwards acrid.] Resembling Senega 
root. — Arnica, Valerian, Serpentaria and Green Hellebore, but none of these 
have a keel. 

Composition. — The active principle in Senegin (C 32 H 54 18 ). Also called 
Saponin, which is found in Quillaja [q. v.). It is a colorless amorphous glu- 
coside, insoluble in Alcohol, but forming a soapy emulsion when mixed with 
boiling water, and is decomposed by Hydrochloric Acid into glucose and 
Sapogenin. It exists as a white powder, which forms a soapy emulsion when 
mixed with boiling water. It acts like Digitonin, and is found in many plants. 

Impurities. — Other roots are mixed with it. 

[Dose, 10 to 20 gr.; .60 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1 Extractum Senegse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Senega. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Ammonia Water and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Senega is used to prepare Syrupus Senegae and 
Syrupus Scillae Compositus. 

Dose, 10 to 20 m.; .60 to 1.20 c.c. 

2. Syrupus Senegae. — Syrup of Senega. Fluid Extract of 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 421 

Senega, 200 ; Ammonia Water, 5 ; Sugar, 700; Water to 1 000. Filter 
before adding the Sugar. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

3. Syrupus Scillae Compositus. — See Antimony, p. 218.] 

Action of Senega. 

External. — Senega, as well as saponin, is an irritant to the 
skin. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Senega in large doses is an 
irritant here also, producing salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea. 
Even small doses often cause indigestion. It is absorbed with 
difficulty. 

Circulation. — Senegin circulates as such in the blood. It 
affects the heart like [digitonin,] but not so certainly. It is 
excreted by the skin, the bronchial mucous membrane, and the 
kidneys. 

Respiration. — When the powdered root is inhaled it acts as a 
violent irritant to the nose, causing much sneezing and cough, 
together with hyperaemia and increased secretion from the respi- 
ratory mucous membrane. If senega is taken internally, it also irri- 
tates the bronchial mucous membrane during its excretion through 
it, causing vascular dilatation, greater secretion, and refiexly, 
cough. Senega is, therefore, a stimulating expectorant. 

Kidney. — It is a diuretic, because excretion of senegin 
through the kidneys causes irritation of them. 

Therapeutics of Senega. 

Senega is only used as a stimulating expectorant. It is evi- 
dent that it will be useful in bronchitis, when the secretion is 
scanty, and when the power to cough is feeble. As it is an irri- 
tant to the bronchial mucous membrane, it must not be given in 
acute bronchitis, nor, on account of its gastro-intestinal action, 
when there is indigestion. It has been employed as a diuretic, 
but it is not powerful, and is uncertain. 

[SANGUINARIA. 

SANGUINARIA — Synonym.— Bloodroot. The rhizome of San- 
gtiinaria canadensis Linne (nat. ord. Papaveracece) , collected in autumn. 
Habitat. — North America, in rich woods. 



422 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, about 5 cm. long, and 1 cm. thick 
cylindrical, somewhat branched, faintly annulate, wrinkled, reddish-brown; 
fracture short, somewhat waxy, whitish with numerous small, red resin-cells, 
or of a nearly uniform, brownish-red color; bark, thin; odor, slight; taste 
persistently bitter and acrid. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Sanguinarine, B 20 H 15 NO 4 
a white substance, soluble in Alcohol. (2) Chelerythrine, C 21 H 17 N0 4 . (3) 
Protopine. — C 20 H 17 NO 5 , also present in Opium. (4) HomocAelidonine,C 22 H. 2l 
N0 4 . (5) Resins. (6) Citric and Malic Acids. 

Dose, 2 to 30 gr. ; .12 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Sanguinariae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of San- 
guinaria. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Water and 
Acetic Acid, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c. (expectorant); ^ to 1 fl. dr. 
1. to 4. c.c. (emetic). 

2. Tinctura Sanguinariae. — Tincture of Sanguinaria. Sangui- 
naria, 150; by maceration with Alcohol, Acetic Acid and Water, and 
percolation to 1 000. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m.; .30 to 2.00 c.c. (expectorant) ; 1 to 3 fl. dr.; 
4. to 12. c.c. (emetic). 

Action and Uses of Sanguinaria. 

Sanguinaria is an acrid emetic with stimulant, and in large 
doses, narcotic powers ; it is also expectorant and said to be an 
emmenagogue. It is chiefly used as a stimulating expectorant in 
chronic bronchitis or in advanced stages of the acute disease. 

PULSATILLA. 

PULSATILLA.— The herb of Anemone Pulsatilla and of Anemone 
pratensis Linne (nat. ord. Ranunculacece), collected soon after flowering. 
Habitat. — Europe. 

Characters. — Leaves radical, petiolate, silky villous, twice or thrice 
deeply three parted or pinnately cleft, with linear, acute lobes, appearing after 
the large, purple flowers ; inodorous, very acrid. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is Anemonin, C 10 H 8 O 4 , which is 
colorless, inodorous and, when distilled with water, acrid. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 



drugs acting on the respiratory organs. 423 

Action and Uses of Pulsatilla. 

It is said to be very nearly the equivalent of senega, and also 
to paralyze the heart and respiratory centres. It has been used 
for the treatment of the symptom of asthma, convulsive coughs 
and in bronchitis. Pulsatilla is a favorite remedy for dysmen- 
orrhoea in its various forms, obstructive excepted. The fluid 
extract (not official) in dose of i to 5 minims; .06 to .30 c. c, 
has been highly recommended for orchitis and epididymitis.] 

IPECACUANHA. 

IPECACUANHA. — Ipecac. [The root of Cephaelis Ipecacuanha 
(Brotero) A. Richard (nat. ord. Rubiacece). Habitat. — Brazil to Bolivia and 
New Granada, in damp forests ; cultivated in India. 

Characters. — About 10 cm. long, and 4 or 5 mm. thick; mostly simple, 
contorted, dull grayish-brown or blackish, finely wrinkled ; closely and irreg- 
ularly annulated, and often transversely fissured ; bark thick, brittle, brownish, 
easily separated from the thin, whitish, tough, ligneous portion; odor slight 
peculiar, nauseous; taste bitterish, acrid, nauseating.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Emetine y C 30 H 44 N 2 O 4 , 
from I to 2 per cent., the active principle. It is white (turns yellow on keep- 
ing), odorless, bitter, and soluble in alcohol, Ether and Chloroform, slightly 
soluble in water. (2) Cephaeline, an amorphous, bitter alkaloid. (3) Ceph- 
aelic or Ipecacuanhic Acid. (4) Tannic acid, Volatile Oil, Starch, Gum, etc. 

Impurities. — Hemidesmus, which is cracked, not annulated. Almond 
Powder, occasionally found mixed with powdered Ipecacuanha root, gives odor 
of Prussic Acid when moistened. 

Dose, of powdered root, % to 2 gr. ; [\q3 to .12 gm. (expectorant), 
15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. (emetic).] 

Preparations. 

1. [Extractum Ipecacuanhas Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Ipe- 
cac. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, distilla- 
tion of the Alcohol, addition of water to residue, evaporation and addi- 
tion of Alcohol. 

Fluid Extract of Ipecacuanha is used to make Syrupus Ipecac- 
uanhas, Tinctura Ipecacuanhas et Opii, and Vinum Ipecacuanhas 
Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 gm. 

2. Purvis Ipecacuanhas et Opii. — See Opium, p. 327. 

3. Trochisci Ipecacuanhas. — Troches of Ipecac. Ipecac, 2; 



424 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Tragacanth, 2; Sugar, 65 gm. ; Syrup of Orange, a sufficient quantity 
for 100 troches. Each troche contains */$ gr. ; .02 gm. Ipecacuanha. 
Dose, 1 to 6 troches. 

4. Trochisci Morphinse et Ipecacuanhae. — See Morphine, 
P. 33 1 - 

5. Syrupus Ipecacuanhae. — Syrup of Ipecac. Fluid Extract of 
Ipecac, 75; Acetic Acid, 10; Glycerin, 100; Sugar, 700; Water to 
1000. 

Dose, 5 m. to 2 fl. dr. ; .30 to 8.00 c.c. 

6. Tinctura Ipecacuanhae et Opii. — See Opium, p. 328. 

7. Vinum Ipecacuanhae. — Wine of Ipecac. Fluid Extract of 
Ipecac, 100; Alcohol, 100; White Wine, 800. 

Dose, 1 to 60 m. ; .06 to 4.00 c.c] 

Action of Ipecacuanha. 

External. — Ipecacuanha powder is a powerful irritant to 
the skin, producing redness, vesication, and pustulation. It has 
some antiseptic powers, for it can destroy anthrax bacilli, but 
it has no effect on the spores. This property is not due to its 
emetine, but to some other constituent. 

Internal. — Alinientary canal. — Here also the irritating action 
of ipecacuanha is seen. It increases the flow of saliva, dilates 
the gastric vessels, and stimulates the secretion of gastric juice. 
Therefore small doses are distinctly stomachic, and aid 
digestion. Large doses are, however, powerfully emetic. This 
is partly due to their irritant effect upon the stomach, but still 
more to the fact that emetine acts directly upon the vomiting 
centre in the medulla, as can be proved by observing that, when 
the alkaloid, is thrown directly into the circulation, vomiting 
follows before there is time for it to have been excreted into the 
stomach. Ipecacuanha is, therefore, both a direct and indirect 
emetic. It produces a certain amount of depression, but not 
more than the mere act of vomiting will explain. The irritant 
effect is continued in the intestine, and hyperaemia, excessive 
secretion, and purging result. In dysentery there is a peculiar 
tolerance of ipecacuanha. Ipecacuanha increases the amount of 
bile secreted, and is therefore a direct cholagogue. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 425 

Circulation. — No specific effect whatever is produced except 
by enormous doses which may arrest the beat of the heart, but 
the act of vomiting is somewhat depressing. 

Resph'ation. — This likewise is unaffected. Ipecacuanha pow- 
der when inhaled, or ipecacuanha taken internally, when it is 
excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane, causes hyperemia 
of it, together with an increased secretion of bronchial mucus, 
and therefore, reflexly, coughing is stimulated. It is, conse- 
quently, an expectorant ; and because the nausea it produces 
depresses the circulation a little, it is called a depressant expec- 
torant ; but this is a complete misnomer, considering that the 
bronchial mucous membrane is stimulated. Animals to which 
large doses of ipecacuanha or of emetine have been given show, 
after death, considerable hyperemia of the bronchial mucous 
membrane, of the lungs, and of the stomach and intestines, 
and the same condition of the respiratory passage is seen if 
ipecacuanha powder has been inhaled. 

Skin. — Ipecacuanha is a mild diaphoretic. 

Therapeutics of Ipecacuanha. 

External. — Ipecacuanha is never, at the present day, em- 
ployed for its external irritant effect. It has been used with 
success, as an antiseptic, in cases of anthrax. It is directed that 
the wound should be dressed with the powder, and that 5 gr. 
[.30 gm.] should be taken by the mouth, every two hours. 

Internal. — Stomach. — Occasionally in small doses, such as 4 
or 5 minims [25 to .30 c. c] of the wine or fy gr. [.015 gm.] 
of the powder, it is employed as a stomachic, and these quanti- 
ties may even stop vomiting when other drugs have failed. A 
usual prescription to arrest the vomiting of pregnancy is a minim 
[.06 c.c] of ipecacuanha wine in water every half hour. The 
powder of ipecac and opium has been praised in cases of gastric 
ulcer ; no doubt any good effect it may have is due to its stimu- 
lating power. Ipecacuanha is a very common emetic. It should 
not be given when it is desired, as in cases of poisoning, to empty 
the stomach quickly, for some time elapses before it is absorbed 
and influences the medulla ; nor should it be given to the very 



426 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

feeble, for it has no action that will counteract the depression of 
the vomiting. But it is an excellent emetic when it is wished, by 
the act of vomiting, to empty the air-passages, as in bronchitis, 
the early stages of diphtheria, tracheitis, and laryngitis, for not 
only the vomiting, but the effect of ipecacuanha on the respira- 
tory tract and the slight subsequent depression will be bene- 
ficial. It is chiefly employed for this purpose in children, as 
they cannot cough well, and often it seems to act like a charm. 
It used to be given in the early stage of fevers, to empty the 
stomach of undigested food. A good emetic powder for an 
adult consists of 20 gr. [1.20 gm.] of powdered ipecacuanha 
with y 2 gr. [.03 gm.] of tartar [emetic] 

Ipecacuanha is said to be a specific for dysentery. How it 
acts is not known. Very large doses must be given — 60 to 90 
gr. [4. to 6. gm.] in a single dose, or 20 gr. [1.20 gm.] every 
four hours. Ipecacuanha from which the emetine has been 
removed (de-emetized ipecacuanha) has been much employed 
(dose, 10 to 30 gr. [.60 to 2.00 gm.]) ; on the other hand, it 
has been stated that the efficient agent in the treatment of 
dysentery is the emetine. 

Half a grain to a grain [.03 to .06 gm.] or more is often com- 
bined in a pill with other cholagogues to relieve cases of hepatic 
dyspepsia, and sometimes with excellent results. 

Respiration — Ipecacuanha is a very common expectorant. 
[The troches] may be [dissolved in the mouth or the syrup], or 
wine may be given internally. It is suitable in cases of bron- 
chitis or phthisis in which the secretion is scanty, and therefore 
there is much purposeless cough ; and also when the disease is of 
long standing, for then the stimulation of the chronically in- 
flamed mucous membrane will aid the cure of it. Its power of 
exciting the act of coughing adds to its usefulness. [Cephaeline 
seems to possess the expectorant properties of ipecacuanha.] 

The inhalation of ipecacuanha powder by means of an atom- 
izer has been recommended in cases of asthma, and for the 
asthma-like paroxysms which often accompany chronic bron- 
chitis. Sometimes it does good, but it may make the trouble 
worse. 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 427 

Skin — Dover's powder [see p. 327] is very commonly used as 
a diaphoretic in mild feverish attacks. 

[ALLIUM. 

GARLIC. — The bulb of Allitim sativum Linne (nat. ord. Liliacece). 
Habitat. — Asia and Southern Europe, cultivated. 

Characters. — Bulb subglobular, compound, consisting of about eight 
compressed, wedge-shaped bulblets, which are arranged in a circle around the 
base of the stem, and covered by several dry membranous scales. Odor pun- 
gent and disagreeable ; taste warm and acrid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, % per 
cent, which consists of Allyl (C 3 H 5 ) oxide and sulphide. (2) Mucilage. 
(3) Albumin. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

Preparation. 
Syrupus Allii. — Syrup of Garlic. Garlic, 200 ; Sugar, 800; diluted 
Acetic Acid to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Garlic. 
The effects of garlic are those of a general stimulant, quick- 
ening the circulation, exciting the nervous system, and promot- 
ing expectoration. It is beneficial in impaired digestion, in 
chronic catarrhal and other pectoral affections in which symptoms 
of inflammation have subsided and a relaxed state of the vessels 

remains.] 

LOBELIA. 

LOBELIA. — [The leaves and tops of Lobelia inflata Linne (nat. ord. 
Lobeliacece), collected after a portion of the capsules have become inflated. 
Synonym. — Indian Tobacco. Habitat. — North America, in fields and open 
woods. 

Characters. — Leaves alternate, petiolate, the upper ones sessile, ovate 
or oblong, about 5 cm. long, irregularly toothed, pubescent, pale green ; 
branches hairy, terminating in long racemes of small, pale blue flowers, having 
an adherent five-toothed calyx, which is inflated in fruit, a bilabiate corolla, 
and five united stamens ; odor slight, irritating ; taste mild, afterwards burning 
and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Lobeline, [an alkaloid, 
as a yellowish liquid. (2) Lobelacrin (probably Lobeline Lobelate). (3) 
Lobelic Acid.] 

Incompatibles. — Caustic Alkalies, as they decompose Lobeline. 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr.; [.06 to .60 gm.] 



428 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparations. 

i. Extractum Lobeliae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Lobelia. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evapo- 
ration. 

Dose, i to 10 m. ; .06 to .60 c.c] 

2. Tinctura Lobeliae. — [Tincture of Lobelia. Lobelia, 200. By 
percolation with diluted Alcohol to 1000. 
Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c.] 

Action of Lobelia. 

External. — Lobelia has no effect on the skin, but it is stated 
that poisonous symptoms may occur from absorption of it through 
the epidermis. 

Internal. — Gastro-intesti?ial tract. — Moderate or large doses 
are powerfully irritant, and thus they cause violent vomiting 
and purging. A peculiarity of the action of lobelia is that these 
results are accompanied by very intense prostration, as shown 
by the feeble pulse, cold sweats, pale skin, and great muscular 
relaxation. 

Circulation. — In the frog the heart is at first stimulated, but 
soon depressed, and it finally stops in diastole. The blood- 
pressure falls. This is due partly to the action on the heart, and 
partly to paralysis of the vaso-motor centres. 

Respiratio7i. — Small doses slow respiration, large doses 
strongly depress the respiratory centre, and death takes place 
from respiratory failure. The muscular coat of the bronchi is 
said to be relaxed. 

Nervous system. — Toxic doses are required to affect the 
higher cerebral centres, and then coma and convulsions are pro- 
duced, but it is not clear how far these results are due to asphyxia. 
The respiratory and vaso-motor centres, and probably the car- 
diac, are, as already mentioned, depressed. Experiments seem 
to show that the motor centres of the cord are also depressed. 
Muscles and nerves are unaffected. 

Lobeline is probably excreted by the kidneys and skin, and 
is said to have diuretic and diaphoretic properties. 



drugs acting on the respiratory organs. 429 

Therapeutics of Lobelia. 

Lobelia has been recommended as a purgative, and as an 
emetic, but it should not be used for these purposes, because of 
its great liability to produce collapse. It is employed for the 
symptom asthma to relax the muscular coat of the bronchial 
tubes. A [drachm ; 4. c. c ] of the tincture should be given till 
nausea is experienced, but it should never be pushed beyond that 
point. It may also be prescribed for bronchitis accompanied by 
spasmodic dyspnoea. [As an external application tincture of 
lobelia with an equal quantity of glycerin is a most useful remedy 
for the relief of pain of acute epididymitis. 

ASCLEPIAS. 
ASCLEPIAS. — Synonym. — Pleurisy root. The root of Asclepias 
tuberosa Linne (nat. ord. Asdepiadece}. Habitat. — United States, near the 
Atlantic Coast. 

Characters. — Root large and fusiform, dried in longitudinal or trans- 
verse sections, from 2 to 15 cm. long, and about 2 cm. or more in thickness; 
the head knotty, and slightly but distinctly annulate, the remainder longitu- 
dinally wrinkled, externally orange- brown, internally whitish; tough and 
having an uneven fracture ; bark thin and in two distinct layers, the inner one 
whitish; wood yellowish, with large, white, medullary rays. It is inodorous, 
and has a bitterish, somewhat acrid taste. 

Constituents — (1) A crystalline Glucoside, soluble in Alcohol, Ether, 
and somewhat in water. (2) Asclepion, a bitter crystalline principle. (3) 
Two Resins. 

Dose, X to 2 dr - 5 2 - to 8 - S m ' 

Preparation. 
Extractum Asclepiadis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Asclepias. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, )/ 2 to 2 fl. dr.; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Pleurisy Root. 
Pleurisy root possesses diaphoretic, carminative, and expec- 
torant properties, without being stimulant. It is used in the 
disease which gives its name, and in various pectoral affections. 

CASTANEA. 
CASTANEA. — Synonym. — Chestnut. The leaves of Castanea dentata 
(Marshall) Sud worth (nat. ord. Cupidiferce) , collected in September or Octo- 



430 ORGANIC MATERIA MED1CA. 

ber, while still green. Habitat. — North America, from Ontario south to 
Florida, and west to Arkansas and Michigan. 

Characters. — From 15 to 25 cm. long, about 5 cm. wide, petiolate, 
oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, mucronate, feather-veined, sinuate-serrate, 
smooth ; odor slight ; taste somewhat astringent. 

Constituents. — (1) Tannic acid, about 9 percent. (2) Albumin. 
(3) Resin. (4) Gum. 

Dose, y z to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Castanese Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Castanea. 
By maceration with Boiling Water, percolation, evaporation, and addi- 
tion of Glycerin and Alcohol. 

Dose, l / 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c. c. 

Action and Uses of Chestnut Leaves. 

Chestnut leaves are mildly sedative, they are used only in 
whooping-cough, because they are supposed to possess anti-spas- 
modic and expectorant properties. 

INULA. 

INULA. — Synonym. — Elecampane. The root of Inula Helenium 
Linne (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat. — Central and Southern Europe, and 
eastward to central Asia ; spontaneously in the United States ; cultivated. 

Characters. — In traverse, concave slices or longitudinal sections, with 
overlapping bark, externally wrinkled and brown; flexible in damp weather ; 
when dry, breaking with a short fracture ; internally grayish, fleshy, slightly 
radiate, and dotted with numerous shining, yellowish-brown resin cells ; free 
from starch; odor peculiar, aromatic; taste bitter and pungent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Jnulin, 3C ]2 H 20 Oj -(- 
H 2 0, sometimes called Alantin, which is found in 19 to 44 per cent., accord- 
ing to the season; (2) Alantic Acid, C 15 H 20 O 2 ; (3) Helenin, C 6 H 8 0. (4) A 
volatile oil, consisting of alantic anhydride, and alantol or alant camphor. 

Dose, y to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Inula. 

It is chiefly used in diseases of the lungs, especially when 
complicated with general debility. Recently, some laboratory 
experiments have suggested that helenin may be of value in the 
treatment of tuberculosis, since it is believed to be a bactericide 



DRUGS ACTING ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 431 

ASPIDOSPERMA. 

ASPIDOSPRRM A. — Synonyms.— Quebracho. Iron Wood. The 
bark of Aspidosperma Quebracho-bianco Schlechtendal (nat. ord. Apocynacece). 
Habitat. — Argentine Republic. 

Characters. — In nearly flat pieces, about i to 3 cm. thick; the outer 
surface yellowish-gray or brownish, deeply fissured; inner surface yellowish 
brown or reddish-brown, distinctly striate ; fracture displaying two sharply 
defined strata, of about equal thickness, and both marked with numerous 
whitish dots and striae arranged in tangential lines ; the fracture of the outer, 
lighter- colored layer rather coarsely granular, and that of the darker colored, 
inner layer short-splintery ; inodorous; taste very bitter and slightly aromatic. 

Composition. — (i) Aspidospermine, C 22 H 28 N 2 2 , (2) Quebrachamine 1 
(3) Aspidospermatine, (4) Aspidosamine, C 22 H 28 N 2 2 , (5) Hydroquebrachine, 
C 21 H 28 N 2 2 , all being Alkaloids, (6) Quebrachit, a peculiar sugar, (7) Tannic 
acid. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr.; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Aspidospermatis Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Aspi- 
dosperma. By maceration with Glycerin and Alcohol, and percolation 
with Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c. c. 

Action of Aspidosperma. 
None of the alkaloids fully represent the drug. In the lower 
animals large doses of the bark produce motor paralysis, with 
dyspnoea and finally death from asphyxia. The breathing early 
becomes slower, but deeper ; the blood-pressure is not affected 
until late. Penzoldt believes that the relief of dyspnoea, which is 
obtained clinically, is caused by its increasing the power of the 
blood to take up oxygen. 

Therapeutics of Aspidosperma. 
It is a bitter which may aid the appetite, and is a valuable 
remedy when the respiration is embarrassed by emphysema, 
chronic bronchitis, or chronic pneumonia ; even uraemic asthma 
is benefited by it. It is not of benefit in dyspnoea of cardiac 
origin. The commercial aspidospermine, which is an impure 
mixture of all the alkaloids, and therefore represents their com- 
bined action, may be given in dose of from ^ to ^ gr. ; .015 
to .03 gm. 



432 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ERIODICTYON. 

ERIODICTYON.— Synonyms. — Yerba Santa. Mountain Balm, Con- 
sumptive's Weed. The leaves of Eriodictyon glutinosum, Bentham (nat. ord. 
Hydrophyllacece). Habitat. — California. 

Characters. — Oblong lanceolate, 5 to 10 cm. long, acute at the apex, 
and below narrowed into a short petiole, the margin sinuately toothed to nearly 
entire; upper surface green, smooth, and covered with a brownish resin; lower 
surface reticulate and minutely white-tomentose ; odor somewhat aromatic ; 
taste balsamic and sweetish. 

Composition.— The chief constituents are: (1) Volatile Oil, (2) Resin, 
acrid, greenish-yellow containing Ericolin, C 34 H 56 21 , (3) Tannic acid, 8 per 
cent. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; [1. to 2. gm ] 

Preparation. 

Extractum Eriodictyi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Eriodictyon. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, 15 to 30 m. ; 1. to 2. c. c. 

Action and Uses of Eriodictyon. 

Eriodictyon has long been used in California as a bitter tonic, 
and as a stimulating expectorant. It has been found useful in 
chronic bronchitis. It is an excellent vehicle for quinine, con- 
cealing its bitter taste. 

COCILLANA. 

COCILLANA. (Not official.)— The bark of Sycocarpus Rttsbyi (nat. 
ord. Meliacece). Habitat. — Bolivia. 

Characters. — The bark is thick, and ash-colored, becoming rough only 
with considerable age; inner surface is grayish-yellow; the odor is slight, but 
peculiar; taste unpleasant (not bitter), slightly nauseous. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Rusbyine (Eccles), an 
alkaloid. (2) Two Resins. (3) Tannic Acid. (4) Calcium Oxalate. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Cocillanae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cocillaiia. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, 5 to 25 m.; .30 to 1.50 c. c. 

2. Syrupus Cocillanae. — Syrup of Cocillana. By maceration and 
percolation with Alcohol and Water, with addition of Sugar. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c. c. 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 433 

3. Tinctura Cocillanae. — Tincture of Cocillafia. By maceration 
and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and addition of Alcohol. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c. c. 

Action and Uses of Cocillana. 
Cocillafia acts upon muciparous glands, increasing their 
activity ; on the bronchial mucous membrane, causing expectora- 
tion ; on the intestinal mucous membrane, producing a laxative 
effect ; it also slightly increases the appetite ; it slightly strengthens 
the heart beat, and the pulse, but does not stimulate the respira- 
tory centre. The syrup does not act as a laxative, while the 
resins are distinctly purgative. It is of very great value as an 
expectorant, preferable to ipecacuanha, in that it does not so 
readily cause nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth, and assists 
the regular movement of the bowels. If, however, nausea should 
be produced, it is very persistent. Its action is fully established 
three to six hours after administration, and persists at least for 
six hours. It can, in many cases, be substituted for apomorphine, 
ammonium carbonate and for many other drugs, classed, with 
more or less reason, as expectorants]. 



GROUP IV 



Vegetable Drugs having Antiperiodic, Antipyretic, and Antiseptic 
Properties. 

Cinchona, Quinine, Salicin, Salicylic Acid, [Gaultheria, 
Salol, Salophen,] Nectandra, Hydrastis. 

CINCHONA. 

[CINCHONA.— The bark of Cinchona Calisaya Weddell, Cinchona 
officinalis Linne and of hybrids of these and of other species of Cinchona 
(nat. ord. Rubiacece), yielding, when assayed, not less than 5 per cent, of total 
alkaloids, and at least 2.5 per cent, of Quinine (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 -f- H 2 = 341.3). 
Habitat. — South America, on the Eastern slope of the central chain of the 
Andes, thence spreading northward into Colombia ; cultivated in Java, India, 
Jamaica, and other countries ; to a limited extent also in South America. 

Characters. — In quills or in curved pieces, varying in length, and usually 
2 or 3, or sometimes 5 mm. thick ; the outer surface covered with a gray or 
28 



434 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

brownish-gray cork, usually slightly wrinkled, marked with transverse, and 
also with intersecting, longitudinal fissures (C. Calisayd), and sometimes with 
scattered warts and slight longitudinal ridges; inner surface light cinnamon- 
brown, very finely striate; fracture short and granular in the outer layer, and 
finely fibrous in the inner layer; powder light brown or yellowish brown; odor 
slight, somewhat aromatic] ; taste bitter and somewhat astringent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents of Cinchona Bark are several alka- 
loids, acids, a glucoside, Tannic acid, a coloring matter and a volatile oil. 

(i) Quinine. — An Alkaloid, exists as the Hydrate. Gives a green color 
with Chlorine water and Ammonia ; turns the plane of polarization to the left, 
solutions of its salts are fluorescent. Forms salts with acids. [See p. 435.) ^ 

(2) Quinidine. — An Alkaloid, C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 , isomeric with Quinine, differ- 
ing from it only in crystallizing in prisms, turning the plane of polarization to 
the right, and not being soluble in ammonia except in excess. 

(3) Cinchonine. — An Alkaloid. No green color with Chlorine water and 
Ammonia. Turns the plane of polarization to the right. Not fluorescent. 
(See p. 437.) 

(4) Cinchonidine. — An Alkaloid, C 19 H 22 N 2 0, isomeric with Cinchonine, 
differing from it in turning the plane of polarization to the left, being sparingly 
soluble in Ether, and being slightly fluorescent. 

(5) Quinamine. — An Alkaloid [C 19 H 24 N 2 2 ]. Not important. 

(6) Kinic or Quinic Acid. — C 7 H 12 6 . Large, colorless prisms. It and 
its salts are soluble in water, and thus Quinine may be given subcutaneously as 
Quinine Quinate. This acid is found in the Coffee Bean and oiher plants. It 
is allied to Benzoic Acid, and appears in the urine as Hippuric Acid. 

(7) Kinovic or Quinovic Acid, [C 32 H 48 6 .] — A white amorphous sub- 
stance related in Kinovin. 

(8) Kinovin or Quinovin. — A Glucoside, [CggH^Og,] which easily de- 
composes into Glucose and Kinovic Acid. 

(9) Cinchotannic Acid. — [-2 to 4] per cent. It is the astringent principle 
of Cinchona Bark. It differs from Tannic Acid in becoming green with ferric 
salts. It is easily oxidized to Cinchona Red. 

(10) Cinchona Red. — The coloring matter of the bark. It is almost in- 
soluble in water. 

(11) A Volatile Oil. — This exists in minute quantities. Cinchona Bark 
owes its smell to it. 

Remijia Bark yields, in addition, Homoquinine, which is a compound of 
Quinine and another alkaloid, Cupreine, [C 19 H 22 N 2 02. ] 

Impurities. — Inferior barks, known by their not yielding the full strength 
of Quinine and Cinchonine. 

[The true yellow Cinchona Bark must not be confounded with other Cin- 
chona Barks of a similar color, but having the bast fibres in bundles or raised 
rows, and breaking with a splintery or coarsely fibrous fracture.] 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 435 

Incompatibles. — Ammonia, lime water, metallic salts and gelatin. 
Dose, 10 to 60 gr. ; [.60 to 4.00 gm.] 

P}'eparations . 
[1. Infusum Cinchonse. — Infusion x>{ Cinchona. Cinchona, 60; 
Aromatic Sulphuric Acid, 10; by percolation with Water to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz. ; 30. to 60. c.c. 

2. Extractum Cinchonse,— Extract of Cinchona. By macera- 
tion and percolation with Alcohol and Water, distillation of the Alcohol 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

3. Extractum Cinchonse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cinchona. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Glycerin and Water, and 
evaporation, addition of Alcohol. 

Dose, 10 to 60 m. ; .60 to 4.00 c.c. 

4. Tinctura Cinc^onae. -Tincture of Cinchona. Cinchona, 200 ; 
Glycerin, 75. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water 
to 1000. 

Dose, )/ 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

CINCHONA RUBRA. 

[RED CINCHONA. — The bark of Cinchona succirubra Pavon (nat. 
ord. Rubiacece), containing not less than 5 per cent, of its peculiar alkaloids. 
Habitat. — Ecuador, west of Chimborazo. 

Characters. — In quills or incurved pieces, varying in length, and from 
2 to 4 or 5 mm. thick; the outer surface covered with a grayish-brown cork, 
more or less rough from warts and longitudinal warty ridges, and from few, 
mostly short transverse fissures; inner surface more or less deep reddish -brown 
and distinctly striate ; fracture short fibrous in the inner layer ; powder reddish- 
brown; odor slight; taste bitter and astringent. 

Constituents. — See Cinchona. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. ; .60 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Cinchonse Composita. — Compound Tincture of Cin- 
chona. Red Cinchona, 100; Bitter Orange Beel, 80; Serpentaria, 20; 
Glycerin, 75. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Glycerin 
and Water to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

QUININA. 

1. QUININE.— C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 +3H 2 O=377.22. An Alkaloid obtained 
from the bark of various species of Cinchona (nat. ord. Rubiacece). 



436 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Source. — By adding to a solution of the Sulphate a sufficient quantity of 
Ammonia Water to precipitate the Alkoloid. 

Characters. — A white, flaky, amorphous or crystalline powder, odor- 
less, and having a very bitter taste; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 
1670 parts of. water, and in 6 parts of Alcohol; in 23 parts of Ether, 5 parts 
of Chloroform and 200 parts of Glycerin ; also soluble in Carbon Disulphide, 
Benzin, Benzol, Ammonia Water, and diluted acids.] 

Impurities. — Other alkaloids, cinehonine, cinchonidine, quinidine and 
cupreine. Lime, chalk, magnesia, starch and other white powders. Salicin, 
detected by its giving a blood-red color with sulphuric acid. 

[ Quinine is used to prepare Ferri et Quininae Citras and Ferri et Quininse 
Citras Solubilis. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm.] 

2. QUININE SULPHAS.— Quinine Sulphate. (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 H 2 
S0 4 [-f7H 2 = 87o.22 

Source. — By boiling Cinchona in water acidulated with Hydrochloric 
Acid and straining. Add Lime to the decoction, and wash the precipitate. 
Digest in boiling Alcohol, and distil off the Alcohol. Dissolve the residue in 
Distilled Water and Sulphuric Acid, boil with Animal Charcoal, filter and set 
aside to crystallize. 

Characters. — White, silky, light and fine, needle-shaped crystals, 
fragile and somewhat flexible, making a very light and easily compressible 
mass, lustreless from superficial efflorescence after being for some time exposed 
to the air, odorless, and having a persistent, very bitter taste. The salt is lia- 
ble to lose water on exposure to warm air, to absorb moisture in damp air, and 
to become colored by exposure to light. Solubility. — In 740 parts of water, 
and in 65 parts of Alcohol ; also in 40 parts of Glycerin, in about 680 parts of 
Chloroform, and freely in dilute acids.] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and their carbonates, and astringent infusions. 

\_Quinine Sulphate is used to prepare Syrupus Ferri, Quininse et Strych- 
ninse Phosphatum. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm., or 5 to 20 gr.; .30 to 1.20 gm.] (anti- 
pyretic and antiperiodic). 

3. [QUININE BISULPHAS. — Quinine Bisulphate.— C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 
H 2 S0 4 +7H 2 = 546.88. 

Source.— By suspending Quinine Sulphate in water, adding Sulphuric 
Acid, filtering and crystallizing. 

Characters. — Colorless, transparent or whitish, orthorhombic cyrstals, 
or small needles, odorless, and having a very bitter taste. Efflorescing on 
exposure to air. Solubility. — In 10 parts of water, and in 32 parts of 
Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm. 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 437 

4. QUININE HYDROBROMAS.— Quinine Hydrobromate. C 20 
H 24 N 2 2 HBr+H 2 0=422.o6. 

Source. — By suspending Quinine Sulphate in Water, adding Barium 
Bromide in solution, filtering, evaporating, and crystallizing. 

Characters. — White, light, silky needles, odorless, and having a very 
bitter taste. The salt is liable to lose water on exposure to warm or dry air. 
Solubility. — In 54 parts of water, and in 0.6 part of Alcohol; also soluble in 
6 parts of Ether, and in 12 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm.] 

5. QUININE HYDROCHLORAS- Quinine Hydrochlorate. C 2 o 

H 24 N 2 2 HC1[+2H 2 0= 3 95.63. 

Source. — By treating the Alkaloid with diluted Hydrochloric Acid, and 
crystallization. 

Characters. — White, silky, light and fine, needle-shaped crystals, odor- 
less, and having a very bitter taste. The salt is liable to lose water when 
exposed to warm air. Solubility. — In 34 parts of water, and in 3 parts of 
Alcohol ; also soluble in 9 parts of Chloroform.] 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; [.06 to 1.20 gm.] 

6. QUININiE VALERIANAS.— See Valeriana. 

7. [QUINIDIN2E SULPHAS.— Quinidine Sulphate. (C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 ) 2 
H 2 S0 4 -|-2H 2 0=78o.42. The neutral sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from 
the bark of several species of Cinchona (nat. ord. Rubiacece). 

Source. — From the mother liquors after the crystallization of Quinine, by 
the same process as for Quinine. 

Characters. — White, silky needles, odorless, and having a very bitter 
taste; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 100 parts of water, and in 8 
parts of Alcohol ; also in 14 parts of Chloroform, and in acidulated water ; 
almost insoluble in Ether. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; .06 to 1.20 gm. 

8. CINCHONINA.— Cinchonine. C 19 H 22 N 2 0=293.4i. 

Source. — By precipitation of the aqueous solution of the Sulphate by 
Ammonia Water. 

Characters. — White lustrous prisms or needles, without odor, at first 
almost tasteless, but soon developing a bitter after-taste ; permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — In 3760 parts of water, and in 1 16 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble 
in 526 parts of Ether, and in 163 parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; .c 6 to 2.00 gm.] 

9. CINCHONINA SULPHAS.— Cinchonine Sulphate. (C 19 H 22 N 2 
0) 2 H 2 SCVf2H 2 [-720.56.] 

Source. — Obtained from the mother liquors after the crystallization of the 
Quinine, Quinidine, and Cinchonidine Sulphates by further concentration, 
precipitating the alkaloids by Caustic Soda, washing with Alcohol till free 



438 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

from other alkaloids, dissolving in Sulphuric Acid, purifying with animal char- 
coal, and crystallizing. 

Characters. — Hard, [white, lustrous, prismatic crystals, without odor, 
and having a very bitter taste; permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 66 parts 
of water, and in 10 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble in 78 parts of Chloroform, 
but almost insoluble in Ether.] 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; [.06 to 2.00 gm.] 

10. CINCHONIDIN^ SULPHAS.— Cinchonidine Sulphate. (C 19 
H 22 N 2 0) 2 H 2 S0 4 4-3H 2 [=738.52. The neutral Sulphate of an Alkaloid 
obtained from the bark of various species of Cinchona.] 

Source. — Obtained from the mother liquors after the crystallization of 
Quinine Sulphate by further concentration, purifying by crystallization from 
Alcohol, and finally from hot water. 

Characters. — [White, silky, acicular crystals, without odor, and having 
a very bitter taste ; slightly efflorescent on exposure to air. Solubility. — In 
70 parts of water, and in 66 parts of Alcohol; also soluble in 1 31 6 parts of 
Chloroform, and almost insoluble in Ether. The presence of sulphates of 
other Cinchona Alkaloids increase its solubility in Ether and Chloroform.] 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; [.06 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action of Cinchona and its Alkaloids. 

The action of cinchona bark is due almost entirely to the 
quinine in it ; the other alkaloids act in much the same way as 
this alkaloid, the sulphate, [bisulphate, hydrobromate] and hydro- 
chlorate of which produce the same effect as quinine itself. The 
following description will be that of the action of quinine sulphate, 
which is often called quinine. Any difference between it and the 
bark or the other alkaloids will be mentioned in the course of this 
description. 

External. — Quinine is a very powerful antiseptic. A solu- 
tion of 1 to 500 destroys many forms of micro-organisms, and a 
solution of 1 to 250 prevents fermentation and putrefaction. 
Quinine is very fatal to all low forms of animal and vegetable 
life. A solution of 1 to 1000 kills many infusoria. No effect is 
produced upon the sound skin by quinine, but it is irritant to a 
raw surface. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Quinine acts like any other 
bitter, such as calumba. The bitter taste is very marked ; in the 
mouth the gustatory nerves, and in the stomach the gastric nerves, 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 439 

are stimulated. This leads reflexly to an increase of the salivary 
and gastric secretions, and to greater vascularity and peristalsis of 
the stomach, the appetite is sharpened and digestion is aided. 
Quinine is, therefore, a stomachic. These effects, of course, 
bring about a better absorption of food ; and hence, if digestion 
was previously feeble, the patient feels stronger after a course of 
quinine. In the stomach any quinine salt is converted into a 
chloride, some of which is probably absorbed here ; for in the 
intestines it would be precipitated by the alkaline secretions. It 
is often excreted unchanged in the faeces. 

Blood. — Quinine, as the chloride, is readily absorbed into the 
blood ; and although this is alkaline, it is not precipitated, being 
probably held in solution by the gases of the blood. It is not 
known that it undergoes any alteration there, but it produces some 
remarkable changes. 

(a) White corpuscles. — If the movements of the white cor- 
puscles are being watched in a drop of blood on the warm stage 
of the microscope, and some quinine is added, they at once cease. 
Again, if the mesentery of a living frog be put under the micro- 
scope, and slightly irritated so as to set up inflammation, emigra- 
tion of the white corpuscles through the capillary walls, or 
diapedesis, as it is called, will be observed ; if now some quinine 
be injected into the circulation this ceases, but those white cor- 
puscles that have already passed out wander further from their 
capillary. If the quinine be applied locally to the mesentery, 
directly the white corpuscles have passed through their capillaries 
their movement is stopped, and the motionless corpuscles collect 
in large numbers around the capillaries. It is clear, therefore, 
that quinine has the power of arresting the movements of 
white blood-corpuscles. In sufficient quantity it appears 
actually to destroy them, for in a cat killed by quinine they are 
much fewer in number than in a healthy cat. 

(o) Red corpuscles. — Quinine is said to cause a diminution in 
the size of these, but this is most likely not strictly correct. In 
fever, if the temperature is high, the red corpuscles are probably 
a little larger than natural. If the temperature be reduced by 
any means the corpuscles regain their normal size. Quinine will 



440 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

reduce the temperature, but it probably has no special action on 
the corpuscles. 

(V) Acidity of the blood. — Blood outside the body gradually 
becomes acid. Quinine prevents this. 

(y) Ozonizing power. — If ozonized oil of turpentine be mixed 
with a tincture of guaiacum, nothing occurs; but if a drop of 
blood be added, that transfers the ozone to the guaiacum, oxidizes 
it, and turns it blue. This ozonizing power of blood is pre- 
vented by the addition of quinine. 

(e) ihe stability of oxyhcemoglobin is strengthened by qui- 
nine, so that the blood does not yield up its oxygen as easily as 
normally, consequently it cannot absorb oxygen readily. This 
inability of haemoglobin to take up oxygen in the presence of 
quinine is parallel with its action on other varieties of protoplasm. 
For example, fungi absorb oxygen slowly if quinine be present, 
and thus fermentation may be prevented. Phosphorescent infu- 
soria (the phosphorescence is due to rapid oxidation) lose this 
property in the presence of quinine. The ozonizing power of 
fresh vegetable juices is retarded by it. Quinine is, therefore, 
very constant and very powerful in interfering with oxidation. 

Circulation. — Small doses of quinine probably increase the 
activity of the heart reflexly because they stimulate the stomach ; 
but large doses (larger than are given to man medicinally), either 
applied to the excised heart or circulating through it, directly 
paralyze the organ ; the pulse becomes slower and more feeble, 
and the heart is finally arrested in diastole. Whether it acts on 
the muscle or the ganglia is not known. Large doses lower the 
blood-pressure considerably; this is owing partly to the effect on 
the heart, but it is probable that this fall of arterial pressure is due 
in part also to the action of quinine on the blood-vessels. If the 
spleen is enlarged as a result of malarial fever, the administration 
of quinine, curing the fever, leads to a decrease in the size of the 
spleen, but it has no direct effect on this organ, as is often 
asserted. 

Respiration. — Although, as we have seen, quinine must, be- 
cause of its retardation of oxidation, have a powerful influence 
on internal respiration, diminishing the activity of metabolism, 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 441 

it has but a moderate effect on respiratory movements. Small 
doses slightly increase, large doses depress them. 

Temperature. — Quinine has no power over the healthy tem- 
perature, but that of fever is markedly reduced ; it is, therefore, 
an energetic antipyretic. Considering its direct capability of 
diminishing metabolism in the tissues, it seems fair to assume 
that the drug diminishes heat production, and that it does 
so by acting directly on the thermogenetic tissues ; but, as it 
acts on all protoplasm, it is quite likely that it may decrease 
heat production by also influencing the cerebral thermogenetic 
centres. 

Cerebrum. — Small doses are believed to stimulate cerebral 
activity. The results of experiments upon the action of quinine 
on the brain are so discordant as to be at present valueless. The 
effects of a large dose in man will be described under Cin- 
ch on ism. 

Spinal cord and nerves. — In frogs, quinine causes a lessening 
of reflex excitability, which is removed by section below the 
medulla; but in large doses it produces a permanent diminu- 
tion of reflex excitability. In these animals quinine also first 
excites and then paralyzes the sensory nerves or their peripheral 
endings. The muscles are uninfluenced. These effects are not 
seen in man. 

Uterus. — It has often been stated that quinine will lead to 
abortion, that it will, when labor has commenced, aid the expul- 
sion of the foetus, and that it will increase the menstrual flow if 
that is scanty. It appears that the first statement is certainly 
incorrect, and that the second and third are only correct for 
some women. 

Kidneys. — After a full dose of quinine it is found in the 
urine in half an hour, and is slowly excreted for several days, 
but by far the greater part is eliminated within the first forty- 
eight hours. The excretion of uric acid is greatly diminished, 
and that of urea and other nitrogenous bodies in the urine is also 
considerably lessened. This confirms the statement already 
made that quinine retards considerably the metabolism of the 
body, but it should be stated that very little alteration is observed 



442 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

in the excretion of carbonic [dioxide] by the lungs. It is said 
that minute quantities of quinine are gotten rid of by all the 
secretions, as it may be detected in milk, saliva, bile, tears, etc., 
and it may be found in dropsical fluids if the patient has been 
taking it. 

Cinchonism. — In many persons a dose of ten grains ; [.60 
gm.] or more of quinine produces a train of physiological symp- 
toms, chiefly from its influence on the nervous system. The 
patient soon complains of ringing in the ears, fullness in the 
head, and slight deafness. With larger doses these symptoms 
increase, disturbances of vision and giddiness are added, he may 
stagger when he walks, and the headache may be very intense. 

Quinine is hardly ever given as a poison, but if it should be, 
all these symptoms of cinchonism will be very severe ; the patient 
may be delirious and comatose, quite deaf and blind, and if he 
die it will be from collapse due to cardiac and respiratory failure. 
Great congestion of the middle ear and labyrinth is found in 
animals poisoned by quinine. The mild degrees of cinchonism 
pass off directly [after] the drug is discontinued. Rarely quinine 
causes an erythematous rash, and it has been known to give rise 
to epistaxis. Those who work among cinchona barks may have 
a rash on their skin from the mechanical irritation of the powder. 

Relative Action of the Alkaloids. — The other alkaloids 
are quite similar in their action to quinine, but they are not so 
powerful. Their relative antipyretic effect is quinine 100, quini- 
dine 90, cinchonidine 70, cinchonine 40. 

Therapeutics of Cinchona and its Alkaloids. 

External. — Quinine is too expensive for use as an antiseptic. 

Internal. — G astro intestinal tract. — It is very largely used 
on account of its stomachic properties, chiefly for that variety of 
indigestion which is the outcome of general ill-health, want of 
fresh air, anaemia, etc., and not often when the stomach is the 
organ primarily at fault. The preparations of cinchona bark are 
very useful for this variety of dyspepsia; they contain quite 
enough of the alkaloids. The compound tincture has the advan- 
tage of containing other stomachics. Iron is very commonly 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 443 

given at the same time to correct the general condition. Quinine 
is frequently prescribed with the tincture of [ferric] chloride; 
there is always enough free acid in this to dissolve any prepara- 
tion of quinine. The dose of quinine sulphate or hydrochlorate 
as a stomachic bitter is y 2 to 2 gr. [.03 to .12 gm.]. The hydro- 
chlorate is often preferred, as it is the more soluble. 

Antipyretic effect. — Quinine was commonly used as an anti- 
pyretic, but for the rare occasions on which antipyretic drugs are' 
required, it has now been replaced by more certain drugs, as 
phenacetin, acetanilid, and [antipyrin]. It is, however, a very 
fairly certain antipyretic. It is best given for this purpose in a 
single dose of 20 to 40 gr. [1.20 to 2.40 gm.] for an adult. Such 
large doses may be prescribed either as a solution of the hydro- 
chlorate, or as the sulphate suspended in milk [and at the same 
time sodium or potassium bromide should be administered to 
avoid the disagreeable tinnitus which is set up. The diluted 
hydrobromic acid is an excellent solvent, and, at the same time, 
will relieve the ringing in the ears]. About one or two hours 
elapse before the temperature begins to fall. Quinine is more 
efficacious in reducing a temperature just beginning to fall than 
a rising one. Hence, if possible, it should be administered two 
or three hours before the time at which previous experience of 
the particular case shows the temperature will probably attain 
its maximum ; then the fall will be more marked and last longer 
than if the drug had not been given. 

Specific action. — Quinine, and to a less extent the other cin- 
chona alkaloids, have the remarkable property of arresting the 
paroxysms of malaria fever. If 15 to 30 gr. [1. to 2. gm.] be 
taken about two or three hours before the attack is due, it will 
not take place, or it will be very mild. [If a more prompt effect 
is desired, quinine carbamide (not official), which is very soluble, 
can be administered hypodermatically ; a smaller dose, 5 to 8 gr.; 
.30 to .50 gm. , is usually successful in preventing the chill.] The 
same effect [may] be produced if smaller doses, about 5 gr. [.30 
gm.] have been taken four or five times a day during the period 
between the attacks. Not only is it thus prophylactic, but the 
continued use of it is curative. It is also preventive, even if the 



444 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

persons to whom it has been given have never had ague. For 
this purpose it is administered to soldiers and sailors who have to 
enter malarious regions, and it is then found that few of them 
get ague. If the disease is very severe it is best to give single 
large doses. [Clark's powder consists of quinine, 10; powdered 
capsicum, 4; powdered opium, 1 part. This is given in 15 gr. ; 
1 00 gm., doses and is said to be more efficacious in the treat- 
ment of ague than larger doses of quinine when given alone.] 

If a person has once had ague, illnesses that he subsequently 
suffers from are liable to assume a malarial type. This is espe- 
cially the case with neuralgia, which is then peculiarly paroxys- 
mal. It is often on the forehead, when it is called brow-ague. 
In such cases the effect of quinne is frequently very well marked, 
and a cure speedily takes place. Sometimes neuralgia which is 
not malarial is temporarily benefited. Quinine cures ague by 
acting, while circulating in the blood, as a direct poison to the 
Plasmodium malariae, which infests the blood and is the cause 
of ague. It has been given for a host of diseases, especially septi- 
caemia, but there is not any evidence that it does good to any except 
those mentioned. The preparations of the bark contain so little 
quinine that they cannot be used as antipyretics or antiperiodics. 

Quinine should, if possible, be avoided in (1) persons suffer- 
ing from acute or subacute disease of the middle ear ; (2) those 
suffering from gastro-intestinal irritation, which it may increase ; 
(3) those, people, occasionally met with, in whom quite small 
doses produce very severe symptoms of cinchonism. 

Warburg 's tincture is a medicine which has a very high reputation in 
India for malaria. It has been called Tinctura Antiperiodica. The published 
formula states that it is a proof-spirit tincture, containing Quinine Sulphate, 80 ; 
Socatrine Aloes, 100; Opium, 1 ; Rhubarb, 32; Camphor, 8; with Angelica, 
Elecampane, Saffron, Fennel, Gentian, Zedoary, Cubeb, Myrrh, and Agaric, 
as aromatics, with menstruum to 4000. [This contains about 9^ gr. ; .60 
gm., to the ounce ; 30. c. c, of menstruum.] Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. [4. to 15. c. 
c. ] It is often prescribed to be made without the Aloes. 

SALICINUM. 
SALICIN. — C 13 H 18 7 [ = 285.33. A neutral principle (glucoside) 
obtained from several species of Salix and Populus (nat. ord. Salicacece). 
Habitat. — Europe, naturalized in North America ; cultivated.] 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 445 

Source. — (i) Make a strong decoction of willow bark. (2) Remove the 
tannic acid by warming and agitating the decoction with Lead Oxide. (3) Evapo- 
rate the solution. Salicin crystallizes out, and is purified by repeated solution, 
and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, [or white, silky, shining crystalline needles, or 
a crystalline powder, odorless, and having a very bitter taste. Permanent in 
the air. Solubility. — In 28 parts of water, and in 30 parts of Alcohol ; almost 
insoluble in Ether or Chloroform. ] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [ 30 to 2.00 gm.] 

ACIDUM SALICYLICUM. 

SALICYLIC ACID. - HC 7 H 5 3 [=137.67. An organic acid, exist- 
ing naturally, in combination, in various plants, see Oleum Gaultheriae and 
Oleum Betube Volatile ; but most largely prepared synthetically from Carbolic 
Acid.] 

Source. — Made by combining Carbolic Acid with Carbon [Dioxide] Gas. 
Thus, dry Carbon [Dioxide] is passed through Sodium Carbolate heated to 
[428 F., 220 C.]. 2NaC 6 H 5 0+C0 2 =Na 2 C 7 H 4 3 (Sodium Salicylate), 
4-C 6 H 6 (Phenol). This is treated with Hydrochloric Acid. Na 2 C 7 H 4 3 
+2HCl=2NaCl+HC 7 H 5 3 (Salicylic Acid). 

Characters. — [Light, fine, white, prismatic needles, or a light, white, 
crystalline powder; odorless, having a sweetish, afterwards acrid taste, and 
permanent in the air. Solubility. — In about 450 parts of Water, and in 2.4 
parts of Alcohol; also soluble in 2 parts of Ether, 2 parts of Absolute Alcohol, 
and 80 parts of Chloroform.] Resembling Artificial Salicylic Acid, — Strych- 
nine, but the crystals of Strychnine are larger, colorless, non-irritating, less 
soluble, and the solution is very bitter. 

Incompatible. — Spirit of Nitrous Ether. 

Impurities. — Orthocreosotic and paracreosotic acids, only in artificial 
salicylic acid. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

SODII SALICYLAS.— Sodium Salicylate. NaC 7 H 5 3 [=i59.67]. 

Source. — Obtained by acting on Sodium Carbonate with Salicylic Acid. 
[2HC 7 H 5 3 +Na 2 C0 3 = 2NaC 7 H 5 3 -f H 2 0+C0 2 . The solution may be 
strained through muslin and heated to expel the Carbon Dioxide.] 

Characters. — [A white, amorphous powder, odorless, and having a 
sweetish, saline ta-te. Permanent in cool air. Solubility. — In 0.9 part of 
Water, and in 6 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble in Glycerin.] 

Impurities. — Orthocreosotic and paracreosotic acids. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

[LITHII SALICYLAS.- Lithium Salicylate. (LiC 7 H 5 3 =i43.68.) 
Source. — Obtained by heating Salicylic Acid, Lithium Carbonate, and 



446 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Water, until the effervescence ceases, filtering and evaporating. Li 2 C0 3 
+2HC 7 H 5 O 3 =2LiC 7 H 5 O +H 2 O+CO 2 . 

Characters. — A white, or grayish-white powder, odorless, and having a 
sweetish taste ; deliquescent on exposure to air. Solubility. — Very soluble in 
Water and in Alcohol. 

Dose, i to 15 gr. ; .06 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action of Salicin, Salicylic Acid and of Sodium [and 
Lithium] Salicylates. 

External. — Salicin and salicylic acid are antiseptics rather 
more powerful than carbolic acid. They are stimulant and mildly 
irritant to the skin. Locally applied, they check sweating. 
The salts of salicylic acid are not [strongly] antiseptic. 

Internal. — Alimentary tract. — When inhaled or applied to 
the throat, salicylic acid is irritating, causing sneezing and cough. 
In the stomach also it is irritant, giving rise to pain, nausea, and 
vomiting unless well diluted. The sodium [and lithium] salts 
and salicin are much less irritating. The glucoside, salicin, is 
in the bowel converted into glucose and saligenin (C 7 H 8 2 ), and 
this is further decomposed into salicylic acid, salicyluric acid 
(HC 9 H 8 NCQ, and salicylous acid (HC 7 H 5 2 ). 

Blood. — Salicylic acid, whether taken directly or formed in 
the bowel from the decomposition of salicin, is rapidly absorbed 
in spite of its insolubility, and therefore it is probably taken up 
as sodium salicylate; [at least], this is the form in which it cir- 
culates in the blood, and consequently the following description 
will apply whether salicin, salicylic acid, or sodium salicylate has 
been taken. It has been thought also to exist in the blood as an 
albuminate, but of this there is no evidence, nor for the theory 
that when the sodium salicylate meets with carbon [dioxide], 
salicylic acid is set free. Some of the salicylic acid of the sodium 
salt unites with glycocoll, forming salicyluric acid, which appears 
in the urine. Thus: HC 7 H 5 3 +C 2 H 5 N0 2 (glycocoll) = HC g 
H 8 N0 4 (salicyluric acid) +£I 2 0. it w iH be noticed that this 
change is precisely analogous to the conversion of benzoic into 
hippuric acid by its union with glycocoll. 

Heart. — Salicin and salicylic acid are often stated to depress 
the force of the heart and cause a fall of blood-pressure. Careful 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 447 

comparison shows that salicin is not nearly so depressant as the 
acid — in fact, it is probable that it has not this action at all, unless 
given in toxic doses. Further, natural salicylic acid is not so 
depressant as the artificial variety. For example, Charteris found 
that 30 gr. [2. gm.] of salicin, or 10 gr. [.60 gm.] of natural 
salicylic acid, or 32 gr. [2.12 gm.] of natural sodium salicylate 
had no injurious effect on a rabbit, but that much smaller doses 
than these of the artificial acid or its salt killed the animal. The 
artificial variety was found to contain orthocreosotic and para- 
creosotic acids, and these are powerful cardiac depressants. 
Thus it seems probable that the depressing effects commonly 
ascribed to salicylic acid are really due to the impurities of the 
artificial form. 

Respiration. — Moderate doses have very little effect on respi- 
ration. Toxic doses strongly depress it. 

Temperature. — In medicinal doses salicin and ;alicylic acid 
have no influence on the temperature of man, in toxic doses they 
slightly lower it; but they readily depress a febrile temperature, 
and are therefore called antipyretics. They cause a slight 
increase of perspiration, but this is not sufficient to explain the 
fall. 

Salicylic acid and salicin are antiperiodic. 

Nervous system. — We know little of the effect of salicylic 
acid on the individual parts of the nervous system. The clinical 
symptoms known as salicylism will be described presently. 

Kidney. — Salicylic acid escapes chiefly through the kidneys. 
It has been stated also to leave the body by the sweat, the saliva, 
the bronchial secretions, and the faeces. It appears in the urine 
very soon after its ingestion (in from 10 to 30 minutes), but the 
elimination goes on slowly. It is excreted as salicyluric acid and 
sodium salicylate, which is split up by the phosphoric acid in the 
urine, yielding salicylic acid. The dark greenish color of the 
urine sometimes seen is due to small quantities of either indican 
or pyrocatechin. Occasionally salicylic acid causes haematuria, 
due to congestion of the kidneys. Probably it increases the 
nitrogenous elimination. It renders the urine aseptic, and the 
salicyluric acid in that fluid will reduce Fehling's Solution. The 



448 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

urine of patients taking it gives a purple color with [ferric] 
chloride. 

Salicylism.- — In about 60 per cent, of the persons to whom 
salicylic acid or its salt is given a train of symptoms is produced 
to which the above name has been applied. They are very like 
those produced by quinine. It is probable that the cause of them 
is the impurities existing in artificial salicylic acid, but it is stated 
that the natural acid may give rise to them. The commonest is 
deafness, which is often accompanied by ringing in the ears ; 
[these symptoms may be relieved by the administration of a small 
amount of alcoholic stimulant fifteen minutes before each dose.] 
Headache is also very frequent. The administration of the drug 
is usually stopped when these symptoms show themselves ; but if 
it is continued the patient becomes violently delirious, there is 
nausea and vomiting, the face is flushed, and the other symptoms 
increase in severity. The pulse falls in both frequency and 
force, it becomes irregular, epistaxis is common, and haemor- 
rhages from other parts of the body have been recorded, such 
as hsematuria and retinal haemorrhages. Albuminuria without 
hssmaturia has been observed. One of the rarest symptoms is 
erythema or urticaria. All this while the breathing has been 
becoming weaker, and death may take place either from cessation 
of the heart or the respiratory movements. 

Therapeutics of Salicin, Salicylic Acid and of Sodium 
[and Lithium] Salicylates. 

External. — The ointment [official in B. P., 1 part of the 
acid to 9 of hard, and 18 of soft paraffin] may be used when an 
antiseptic stimulating ointment is required. A collodion com- 
posed of salicylic acid, 1; flexible collodion, 8; or a glycerin 
containing 10 per cent, of salicylic acid; or a plaster, also 10 per 
cent., are good preparations. Strong applications of salicylic acid 
are very useful for removing excess of epidermis, warts, or corns 
[because it softens epithelium]. Salicylic acid, n; extract 
of cannabis indica, 2; flexible collodion, 87 parts, form an 
excellent remedy (commonly known as green solution) for 
corns. Powdered salicylic acid mixed with starch or chalk 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 449 

may be employed to check profuse perspiration of the feet and 
axillae. The German Pharmacopoeia has for this purpose a Pulvis 
Salicylicus cum Talco (salicylic acid, 3 ; wheaten starch, 10; 
talc, in ponder, 87). The sweats of phthisis may be treated in 
the same way. A little salicylic acid is often added to Thomp- 
son's fluid {see p. 258). [Salicylic acid is the principal ingre- 
dient in Thiersch's solution. For the formula see p. 258.] 

Internal. — Salicylic acid is a specific for [many cases of] 
rheumatic fever; it lowers the temperature, lessens the swelling, 
leads to a rapid cessation of pain, and [may] diminish the 
liability to pericarditis and other complications. It must be given 
well diluted to prevent dyspepsia. The sodium salt is often 
preferred as being the most soluble, but in order to diminish the 
risk of salicylism it should be prepared from pure artificial or 
from natural salicylic acid. If the attack is severe, 20 gr. [1.20 
gm.] every two or three hours should be given for the first twelve 
or twenty-four hours; then, if the patient is doing well, the 
frequency of the dose may be gradually diminished, but it should 
be continued thrice daily for ten days after the temperature is 
normal and the pain has ceased. Salicin is not so powerful as 
sodium salicylate, but it is said to be less depressant than the 
synthetic acid. 

These preparations are of no use for gout or osteo-arthritis. 
Salicylic acid or salicin may produce a fall of temperature in 
any fever, but, as we have more certain antipyretics, they are not 
used except for rheumatic fever. Some writers have found sali- 
cylic acid useful in migraine, sciatica, diabetes, and diphtheria, 
but it is probably of little value for these disorders. [The action 
of the salicylates in eliminating uric acid explain their usefulness 
in migraine and sciatica which is incontestible in some cases. 
So far as they limit intestinal fermentation they are beneficial in 
the treatment of diabetes. For the glycosuria of patients af- 
flicted with gout or goutiness they are useful.] Salicylic acid 
has been given to render the urine acid in cases of alkaline 
urine and cystitis, but there are better remedies for this pur- 
pose. 

29 



450 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[OLEUM BETUL^) VOLATILE, 

VOATILE OIL OF BETULA.— Synonym.— Oil of Sweet Birch. 
A volatile oil obtained by distillation from the bark of Betula lenta Linn6 
(Sweet Birch) ; (nat. ord. Betulacea). Habitat. — Northern United States. It 
is identical with Methyl Salicylate (CH 3 C 7 H 5 3 =i5i.64), and nearly identi- 
cal with Oil of Gaultheria. 

Characters. — It has the same properties and conforms to the same reac- 
tions and tests as Methyl Salicylate {see Methyl Salicylas ; also Oleum Gaul- 
therise). 

Dose, i to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

OLEUM GAULTHERIA. 

OIL OF GAULTHERIA.— Synonym. — Oil of Wintergreen. A 
volatile oil distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens Linne (Winter- 
green) ; (nat. ord. Ericacece), consisting almost entirely of Methyl Salicylate 
(CH 3 C 7 H 5 3 =i5i.64) and nearly identical with Volatile Oil of Betula. 
Habitat. — North America, west to Minnesota, and south to Georgia. 

Characters. — A colorless or yellow, or occasionally reddish liquid, 
having a characteristic, strongly aromatic odor, and a sweetish, warm and aro- 
matic taste. Sp.gr.: 1. 175 to 1. 185. Boiling point : 2 18 to 221 C. (424.4 
F. to 429.8° F.). It deviates polarized light slightly to the left. In other 
respects it has the same properties and conforms to the same reactions and 
tests as Methyl Salicylate {see Methyl Salicylas ; also Oleum Betulae Volatile). 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Preparation. 
Spiritus Gaultheriae. — Spirit of Gaultheria. Oil of Gaultheria, 50 ; 
Alcohol, 950. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

METHYL SALICYLAS. 

METHYL SALICYLATE. —CH 3 C 7 H 5 3 =i5i.64. Synonym.— 
Arti'ficial (or Synthetic) Oil of Wintergreen. Methyl Salicylate, produced 
synthetically by distilling Salicylic Acid, or a Salicylate, with Methyl Alcohol 
and strong Sulphuric Acid. 

Characters. — A colorless or slightly yellowish liquid, having the char- 
acteristic, strongly aromatic odor and the sweetish, warm and aromatic taste of 
the Oil of Gaultheria, with the essential constituent of which it is identical. 
It is wholly identical with Volatile Oil of Betula {see Oleum Betuhe Volatile). 
Sp.gr.: 1.183-1.185. Boiling point: 2i9°-22i° C. (426.2°-429.8° F.) It 
is optically inactive. Solubility. — In all proportions in Alcohol, Glacial Acetic 
Acid, or Carbon Disulphide. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 



antiperiodic, antipyretic, and antiseptic drugs. 451 

Action and Uses of Volatile Oil of Betula, Oil of Win- 
tergreen and methyl salicylate. 
The action of these substances is the same as of salicylic acid. 
When taken in moderate quantities, they are, like that acid, 
broken up and eliminated as salicyluric acid. It is asserted that 
methyl salicylate can be produced of more uniform quality and 
is more certain and definite in its action than either of the nat- 
ural oils. The uses of these drugs is the same as of salicylic acid, 
and they possess the additional advantage that they are not liable 
to contamination with impurities (ortho- and paracreosotic acids) 
which are powerful cardiac depressants and which are found in 
the artificial salicylic acid.] 

SALOL. 

SALOL — [C 6 H 5 C r H 5 3 =2i3.49. Synonym.— Phenyl Salicylate.] The 
Salicylic Ether of Phenol. 

[Source. — By heating Salicylic Acid with Phenol in the presence of 
Phosphorous Pentachloride ; this action dehydrates and withdraws the ele- 
ments of water, and unites the Phenyl group wit 1 the Salicylic Acid radical. 

Characters. — A white, crystalline powder, odorless, or having a faintly 
aromatic odor, and almost tasteless. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — 
Almost insoluble in water; soluble in 10 parts of Alcohol ; also soluble in 0.3 
part of Ether, and readily in Chloroform, and in fixed or volatile oils. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Salol. 

External. — It is an antiseptic, and when mixed with talc 
(1 to 5) may be used a dusting powder. 

Internal. — In the body [presumably in the small intestines) 
salol splits up into [phenol, about 36, and salicylic acid, 64 
per cent.] and the former renders the urine dark. In rheumatic 
fever it is efficacious on account of the salicylic acid it contains, 
[although somewhat slower in action] but it has no advantage 
over salicin or salicylic acid, and the carboluria may be trouble- 
some. 

[It is an antiseptic, and since this decomposition takes place 
in the alkaline fluid, it has been used as an intestinal antiseptic in 
acute diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera and other diseases ; also in 



452 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

affections of the urinary tract. It is a remedy of very great 
value in the treatment of typhoid fever, for by the active disin- 
fection of the contents of the intestine and of the ulcerations, 
it favors their healing and prevents reinfection, thus lowering 
temperature, diminishing the liability to relapse and to permanent 
damage to tissues. It is the logical treatment, because it destroys 
the cause of the symptoms, at their point of origin. On account 
of the large proportion of phenol which it contains it is more 
dangerous than the corresponding amount of salicylic acid, and 
it is especially to be used with great caution if the kidneys are 

diseased. 

SALOPHEN. 

SALOPHEN. (Not official.]— C 6 H 4 (0H)C0 2 C 6 H 4 NHC0CH 3 =27o.4O. 
Synonym. — Acetylparamidophenol Salicylate. 

Source. — From Paranitrophenol Salicylate by a complicated process, 
and purifying by crystallization from Alcohol. 

Characters. — Minute white scales, free from odor or taste. It con- 
tains 50.9 per cent, of Salicylic Acid. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water; 
freely soluble in Alkalies, Alcohol and Ether. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Salophen. 
In a warm alkaline solution salophen is broken up into sali- 
cylic acid and acetylparamidophenol, the latter being harmless. 
It is decomposed in the intestines, even when given hypoder- 
matically. It is used as a substitute for salicylic acid in acute 
rheumatism, and as an intestinal antiseptic. It is probably quite 
as efficient, and much safer than salol. The fact that it is taste- 
less renders it easy of administration.] 

[NECTANDRA.] 

BEBEERU BARK.-[B. P., not official.] The bark of Nectandra 
Rodicei, the Greenheart Tree (nat. ord. Laurinece). Habitat, — British 
Guiana. 

Characters. — Flat, heavy pieces, [30 to 60 cm.] long, [5 to 15 cm.] 
broad, [6 to 19 mm.] thick. Externally grayish-brown, internally dark cinna- 
mon brown, with longitudinal striae. Hard, brittle, coarse-grained fracture. 
No odor. Taste bitter, astringent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Beberine, [C 36 H 42 N 2 6 ]. 
(2) Nectandrine. (3) Tannic Acid. 



ANTIPERIODIC, ANTIPYRETIC, AND ANTISEPTIC DRUGS. 453 

BEBERINE SULPHAS.- [B. P., not official.] Beberine Sul- 
phate, [C 36 H, 2 N 2 6 H 2 S0 4 =6 94 .52.] 

Source. — (i) Exhaust Bebeeru bark with dilute Sulphuric Acid, remove 
the excess of this by the addition of Lime ; precipitation of Lime Sulphate, 
and filtration. (2) From the fluid, precipitate beberine with Ammonia. (3) 
Dry it, dissolve in Alcohol. (4) Distil off the Alcohol, dissolve the residue 
in Sulphuric Acid, purify and dry at 140 F. ; [6o° C.]. 

Characters. — Dark brown, translucent scales, yellow when powdered. 
Taste strong, bitter. Solubility. — In 80 parts of water ; sparingly in Alcohol. 
As prepared it is a mixture of several alkaloids, chiefly Beberine and Nectan- 
drine Sulphates. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies and their carbonates, potassium bromide, lime 
water, tartaric acid, tartrates, and astringent infusions and tinctures. 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr. ; [.06 to .60 gm.] 

Action of Nectandra. 
Bebeeru bark and beberine [are bitter stomachics, having pre- 
cisely the same action upon the stomach as calumba. They were 
introduced because they] are slightly antipyretic and antiperiodic. 
Beberine is a feeble antiseptic. 

Therapeutics of Nectandra. 
These substances are seldom used, as there are many other 
more convenient bitter stomachics, and their antipyretic and 
antiperiodic action is feeble. 

HYDRASTIS. 

HYDRASTIS.— [Synonyms.— Golden Seal. Yellow Puccoon. The 
rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis Linne (nat. ord. Ranmiculacece) m 
Habitat. — North America, west to Missouri and Arkansas, in woodlands. 

Characters. — Rhizome about 4 cm. long and 6 mm. thick; oblique 
with short branches, somewhat annulate and longitudinally wrinkled ; exter- 
nally brownish-gray ; fracture short, waxy, bright reddish-yellow, with a thick- 
ish bark, about ten narrow wood- wedges, broad medullary rays, and large pith. 
Roots thin, brittle, with a thick, yellow bark and subquadrangular, woody 
centre. Odor slight ; taste bitter.] 

Composition. — It contains — (1) Berberine, [C 20 H 17 NC\, an alkaloid ex- 
isting as yellowish prismatic crystals, and is found in many plants (Berberis, 
Calumba, Coptis, Menispermum, Xanthorrhiza, Xanthoxylum, etc.), chiefly in 
the orders Berberacece, Menisper/nacece, and Ranunculacece. It is identical 
with Buxine, the alkaloid of Bnxus sempervirens , and Felosine, that of Chon- 
dodendron tormentosum (Pareira). (2) Hydrastine, C 2l H 2l N0 6 , a colorless 



454 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

alkaloid, soluble in Alcohol and Ether. (3) Canadine, C 21 H ai N0 4 , in white 
needles. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Hydrastis [Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Hydras- 
tis. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, Glycerin and water, 
and evaporation. ] 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; [.30 to 4.00 c.c] 

2. Tinctura Hydrastis. — [Tincture of Hydrastis. Hydrastis, 
200 ; by maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, yi to 2 fi. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

3. Glyceritum Hydrastis. — Glycerite of Hydrastis. Hydrastis, 
by percolation and maceration with Alcohol, distil off the Alcohol, add 
Water, filter, and to the filtrate add an equal volume of Glycerin. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c. 

HYDRASTININ^E HYDROCHLORAS.— Hydrastinine Hydro- 
chlorate. C U H 11 N0 2 HC1=224.97. The Hydrochlorate of an artificial al- 
kaloid derived from Hydrastine, the latter being obtained from Hydrastis. 

Source. — By acting upon Hydrastine by oxidizing agents, as when Man- 
ganese Dioxide and Sulphuric Acid are used together, or when Platinic 
Chloride is employed. 

Characters. — Light yellow, amorphous granules, or a pale yellow, crys- 
talline powder, odorless, and having a bitter, saline taste ; deliquescent on 
exposure to damp air. Solubility. — In 0.3 part of water, and in 3 parts of 
Alcohol ; with difficulty soluble in Ether or Chloroform. 

Dose, J5 to I gr. ; .005 to .01 gm.] 

Action of Hydrastis. 

The chief alkaloid is berberine which, in moderate doses, acts 
as a bitter, promoting the appetite, stimulating the gastric 
secretions, and peristalsis. Hydrastis increases the flow of bile 
and urine. It will contract the unstriped muscles of arteries and 
the uterus, and it is therefore haemostatic. It is mildly anti- 
periodic. In poisonous doses it stops the heart, causing a great 
fall of blood-pressure. 

Therapeutics of Hydrastis. 

External — Hydrastis is employed empirically as a local 
stimulating application in chronic inflammations, such as un- 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 455 

healthy ulcers. It is used also as a lotion in hyperidrosis, acne, 
and seborrhoea. Any of the preparations may be employed, if 
diluted with water. 

Internal. — The chief use of hydrastis is that it is empirically 
administered for chronic inflammations of mucous membranes. 
It is said to be especially valuable for uterine affections, in the 
chronic gastritis of drunkenness, and to a rather less degree in 
other forms of chronic gastro-intestinal catarrh. As an injection 
or lotion it is employed (any preparation diluted with an equal 
part of water) for chronic nasal catarrh, otorrhcea, leucorrhcea, 
gonorrhoea, and as a mouth wash in aphthous stomatitis, chronic 
pharyngitis, etc. [The fluid extract] has been given to stop uterine 
haemorrhage, and to arrest the growth of uterine tumors, [with 
great success. From hydrastine by oxidation, hydrastinine hy- 
drochlorate has been made, which is an excellent remedy for 
menorrhagia and metrorrhagia and which is likely to have an 
extensive use.] As an antiperiodic, hydrastis is inferior [but 
next in value to] quinine. 



GROUP V. 

Vegetable Purgatives. 

Class I. — Laxatives. 

Prune, Fig, Tamarind, Cassia [Fistula,] Manna, [Phytolacca, 



Eupatorium,] Castor Oil (small 

Class II. — Simple purgatives. 

Castor Oil, Rhubarb, [Juglans,] Senna, Frangula, [RhamnusJPur- 
shiana,] Aloes. 

Class III. — Drastic purgatives. 

Scammony, Jalap, [Bryonia,] Croton Oil, Colocynth, Elaterium, 
Gamboge. 

Class IV. — Cholagogues. 

Podophyllum, [Leptandra, Chelidonium,] Iris, [Euonymus.] 

Class I.— LAXATIVES. 
PRUNUM. 
PRUNE. — The [fruit of Prunus Domestica Linne (nat. ord. Rosacea). 
Habitat. — Western Asia ; cultivated in many varieties. 



456 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — Oblong or subglobular, about 3 cm. long, shrivelled 
blackish-blue, glaucous; the sarcocarp brownish-yellow; sweet and acidulous; 
putamen hard, smooth, or irregularly ridged; the seed almond-like in shape, 
but smaller, and of a bitter-almond taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Sugar, [12 to 25 per 
cent.] (2) Malic Acid, and (3) A purgative principle. 

Prunes are contained in Confectio Sennae. 

[Dose. — They can be administered freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Prunes. 
Prunes are nutritive and slightly laxative. They may be 
eaten as articles of diet in cases of slight constipation. £They 
are used as a corrective for senna in the confection ] 

FICUS. 

FIG. — The [fleshy receptacle of Ficus Carica Linne (nat. ord. Urticacece}, 
bearing fruit upon its inner surface. Habitat. — Western Asia; cultivated in 
subtropical countries. 

Characters. — Compressed, of irregular shape, fleshy, brownish or 
yellowish, covered with an efflorescence of sugar ; of a sweet, fruity odor, and 
a very sweet, mucilaginous taste. When softened in water, figs are pear- 
shaped, with a scar or short stalk at the base, and a small scaly orifice at the 
apex ; hollow internally ; the inner surface covered with numerous yellowish, 
hard achenes.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Sugar, 62 per cent.; (2) 
Gum; (3) [Fat and Salts] 

Figs are contained in Confectio Sennse. 

[Dose. — They can be administered freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Figs. 
Figs are a pleasant food and mildly purgative, forming a con- 
venient remedy for slight constipation. 

TAMARINDUS. 

TAMARIND. — The [preserved pulp of the fruit of Tamarindus indica 
Linne (nat. ord. Leguminoscz). Habitat. — India and tropical Africa; natur- 
alized in the West Indies. 

Characters. — A reddish-brown, sweet, subacid, pulpy mass, containing 
strong, somewhat branching fibres, and polished, brown, flattish-quadrangular 
seeds, each enclosed in a tough membrane ; taste sweet and refreshingly 
acidulous, ] 

iMruRiTY.— Copper. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 457 

Composition. — (i) Tartaric, [Citric, Malic and Acetic Acids; (2) Sugar; 
(3) Pectin; (4) Tannic acid and (5) Potassium compounds.] 
Tamarind is contained in Confectio Sennse. 
[Dose. — It can be administered freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Tamarind. 
Tamarind is pleasant and acid to the taste, and a mild laxa- 
tive. It may be made into tamarind whey (i part of tamarind 
to 30 of milk) and given as an acid, cooling, slightly purgative 
drink in fevers. It is a good purgative for children, and may be 
spread on bread and butter. 

CASSIA [FISTULA]. 

CASSIA [FISTULA.— Synonym.— Purging Cassia. The fruit of 
Cassia Fistula Linne (nat. ord. LeguminoscB). Habitat. — East India; natural- 
ized in tropical Africa and America. 

Characters. — Cylindrical, 40 to 60 cm. long, nearly 25 mm. in diameter, 
blackish-brown, somewhat veined, the sutures smooth, forming two longitudinal 
bands ; indehiscent, internally divided transversely into numerous cells, each 
containing a reddish-brown, glossy, flattish-ovate seed imbedded in a blackish- 
brown, sweet pulp ; odor resembling that of prunes.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A purgative principle. 
Cathartic Acid, a Glucoside. [See Senna, p. 465.) [(2) Sennafiicrin, a Glu- 
coside, C 3i H 58 O ir ] (3) Sugar, 60 per cent. (4) [Pectin. (5) Calcium 
Oxalate.] 

Cassia Fistula is contained in Confectio Senna?. 

[Dose, 1 to 8 dr. ; 4. to 30. gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cassia Fistula. 
[The pulp is administered as] a laxative, given only in con- 
fection of senna. 

MANNA. 

MANNA. — The concrete, saccharine exudation [of Fraxinus Ornus 
Linne (nat. ord. Oleacece). Habitat. — Basin of the Mediterranean. 

Characters. — In flattish, somewhat three-edged pieces, occasionally 20 
cm. long, and 5 cm. broad, usually smaller ; friable ; externally yellowish- 
white, internally white, porous and crystalline ; or in fragments of different 
sizes, brownish-white and somewhat glutinous on the surface, internally white 
and crystalline; odor honey-like; taste sweet, slightly bitter and faintly acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Mannit, [C 6 H 8 (OH) 6 , 
90 per cent. (2) Glucose. (3) Fraxin, C 32 H 36 O 20 . (4) Mucilage. (5) Resin.] 

Manna is contained in Infusum Senna Compositum. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 oz. ; [15. to 60. gm. ] 



458 organic materia medica. 

Action and Therapeutics of Manna. 
Manna is given as a mild laxative to children. It dissolves 
easily in milk, [and is pleasant to the taste]. 

[PHYTOLACCA. 

PHYTOLACCA FRUCTUS.— Phytolacca Fruit. Synonym.— Poke 
Berry. The fruit of Phytolacca decandra Linne (nat. ord. Phytolaccacece.} 
Habitat. — North America; naturalized in Europe. 

Characters. — A depressed globular, dark purple compound berry, about 
8 mm. in diameter, composed of ten carpels, each containing one lenticular, 
black seed; juice purplish-red; inodorous; taste sweet, slightly acrid. 

Constituents. — (i) Phytolaccin. (3) Phytolaccic Acid. (3) Sugar. 
(4) Gum. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr.; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

PHYTOLACCA RADIX. —Phytolacca Root. Synonym.— Poke 
Root. The root of Phytolacca decandra Linne (nat. ord. Phytolaccacece). 

Characters. — Large, conical, branched and fleshy; mostly in transverse 
or longitudinal slices, wrinkled, grayish, hard; fracture fibrous, the wood- 
bundles in several distinct, concentric circles ; inodorous ; taste sweetish and 
acrid. 

Constituents. — (1) Resin. (2) Probably a Glucoside. (3) A volatile 
acid. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Phytolaccse Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Phytolacca Root. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Phytolacca. 
Phytolacca is used as a purgative, and in large doses it pos- 
sesses also some narcotic properties. Recently a preparation 
made from the berries has been used to reduce adipose tissue. 

EUPATORIUM. 

EUPATORIUM. — Synonyms. — Thoroughwort. Boneset. The leaves 
and flowering tops of Eupatorium fierfoliatwn, Linne (nat. ord. Composite). 
Habitat. — North America, west to Dakota; in low grounds. 

Characters. — Leaves opposite, united at the base, lanceolate from 10 
to 15 cm. long, tapering, crenately serrate, rugosely veined, rough above, 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 459 

downy and resinous dotted beneath ; flower heads corymbed, numerous, with 
an oblong involucre of lance-linear scales, and with from ten to fifteen white 
florets, having a bristly pappus in a single row ; odor weak and aromatic ; 
taste astringent and bitter. 

Composition. — Its principal constituents are — (i) Eupatorin y a bitter 
glucoside. (2) Volatile Oil. (3) Resin. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Eupatorii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Eupatorium. 
By maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, % to 1 fl. dr.; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Thoroughwort. 
Thoroughwort is tonic, diaphoretic (in infusion), and mildly 
laxative. It is a domestic remedy for the commencement of a 
catarrh, influenza, or muscular rheumatism.] 

Class II.— SIMPLE PURGATIVES. 
OLEUM RICINI. 

CASTOR OIL. — [A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Ricinus com- 
munis Linne (nat. ord. Euphorbiacece). Habitat. — India; cultivated. 

Characters. — A pale yellowish or almost colorless, transparent, viscid 
liquid, having a faint, mild odor, and a bland, afterwards slightly acrid, and 
generally offensive taste. Sp. gr., 0.950 to 0.970. Solubility. — In an equal 
volume of Alcohol, and, in all proportions, in absolute Alcohol, or in glacial 
Acetic Acid; also soluble in 3 times its volume of a mixture of 19 volumes 
of Alcohol and I volume of water (absence of more than about 5 per cent, 
of most other fixed oils). 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Ricinolein, C 3 H 5 (C I8 H 34 
3 ) 3 , which is the Ricinoleic Acid (C 18 H 34 3 ), Glyceride.] This constitutes 
the chief bulk. (2) Other fixed oils, as palmitin, stearin, and myristin. (3) 
Possibly an alkaloid, Ricinine, not purgative. (4) An acrid principle. 

[Castor oil is contained in Collodium Flexile, Linimentum Sinapis Com- 
positum, Piluloe Antimonii Compositae and Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri. 

Dose, % to 2 fl. oz.; 8. to 60. c.c] 

Castor oil seeds are not official, but it is important to recognize them. 
They are [17 mm.] long and [8 mm.] wide, ovoid, flattened. The seed is 
prolonged into a sharp beak. Epidermis shiny gray, marked by brownish 
bands and spots. Kernel white. They contain 50 per cent, of the oil, and 
an acrid substance which makes them poisonous. Three Castor oil seeds have 
been known to kill an adult man. [Quite likely the seeds are not poisonous 
when matured.] 



460 organic materia medica. 

Action of Castor Oil. 

External. — Castor oil is, like olive oil, protective and seda- 
tive, and may be used to drop into the eye when the conjunctiva 
is inflamed, and as a solvent for homatropine, but this solution is 
occasionally a little irritating. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — The so called [unpleas- 
ant taste] of castor oil is mostly due to the smell, and is not noticed 
much if the nose is held when the oil is drunk. Medicinal doses 
produce no effect on the stomach. Reaching the intestine the oil 
is an excellent simple laxative or mild purgative, acting in 
about five hours, and causing no griping nor subsequent consti- 
pation. The motion is soft, but not liquid. Castor oil will 
purge even when rubbed into the skin. How it acts is unknown 
[but it is said to stimulate unstriped muscular fibre whenever 
found.] It has been thought that the [ricinolein (ricinoleic acid 
glyceride)] in the oil is decomposed in the duodenum, and the 
ricinoleic acid purges, but this is probably incorrect. The most 
likely view is that the oil contains some purgative principle which 
has not yet been isolated. Probably the seeds contain much 
more of this than the oil, for they are ten times more purgative, a 
fact which it is impossible to explain if it is the ricinoleic acid 
which purges. Castor oil will purge when given per rectum. 

Mammary glands. — [The leaves] applied locally to the breasts 
are said to be galactagogue. 

Therapeutics of Castor Oil. 

Castor oil is perhaps the best simple purgative we have, and 
is very useful in cases in which there is slight temporary consti- 
pation. Being mild in its action it is very suitable for getting 
rid of undigested food that is causing diarrhoea, and a dose of 
castor oil with a minute quantity of laudanum in it is a favorite 
remedy for certain forms of diarrhoea. [Like rhubarb, castor oil 
gives rise to secondary constipation.] It is also especially con- 
venient in pregnancy, after delivery, and when in any abdominal 
disease, as typhoid fever, peritonitis, or when, after abdominal 
operations, the irritation caused by the faeces makes it absolutely 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 461 

necessary to get the bowels open. Also, it is very useful for chil- 
dren, or for very old or infirm persons, or for those suffering from 
piles or fissures. It is a good purgative to give before and after 
the use of anthelmintics [aspidium being excepted. It should 
not be given during the later months of pregnancy owing to its 
action on un striped muscle fibres.] 

Its nauseous taste is the only objection to it. As already 
mentioned, this can largely be overcome by holding the nose, 
and there are many forms of castor oil in the market so prepared 
as to be almost colorless and odorless It may be taken in cap- 
sules, but they are bulky. Lemon juice or coffee conceals the 
taste to some extent, or the oil may be added to a teaspoonful 
[4. c.c] of peppermint water, and then a little brandy added till 
the oil neither sinks nor [floats]. If the inside and rim of the 
glass are moistened with the vehicle, the oil, which should, if 
possible, be between two layers of the vehicle, is hardly tasted. 
[It is best administered in the beverage known as sarsaparilla.] 

As an enema (castor oil, i ; warm mucilage of starch, i ; 
mixed thoroughly) it is useful when a mild injection is required. 

Breasts. — The leaves of the castor-oil plant applied to the 
breasts will sometimes induce the secretion of milk. A fluid extract 
of them [not official] may also be taken three or four times a day. 

RHEUM. 

RHUBARB. — The root [of Rheum officinale Baillon (nat. ord. Poly- 
gonacece). Habitat. — Western and Central China. 

Characters. — In cylindrical, conical or nattish segments, deprived of the 
dark brown, corky layer, smoothish or somewhat wrinkled, externally covered 
with a bright yellowish-brown powder, marked with white, elongated meshes, 
containing a white, rather spongy tissue, and a number of short reddish-brown 
or brownish-yellow striae ; compact, hard; fracture uneven; internally white, 
with numerous red, irregularly-curved and interrupted medullary rays, which 
are radially parallel only near the- cambium line ; odor somewhat peculiar, 
aromatic ; taste bitter, somewhat astringent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Chrysophan, C 27 H 30 O 14 , 
which yields Chrysophanic Acid, C 15 H 10 O 4 , about 3 per cent. {Synonyms. — 
Rhein, Chrysarobin, see Chrysarobinum.) (2) Erythroretin. (3) E?nodin. 
(4) Phceoretin. (5) Aporetin.~\ (6) Rheotannic Acid, C 26 H 26 O u , to which 
the astringency of Rhubarb is due. (7) Lime Oxalate, 35 per cent., to which 
the gnttine^s is due. 



462 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Impurities. — English Rhubarb; different taste, smell, and excess of 
starch. Turmeric, which is turned brown by Boric Acid. 

Dose, i to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm. (stomachic); 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 
2.00 gm.] (purgative). 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Rhei. — [Extract of Rhubarb. By percolation with 
Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 3 to 15 gr. ; .20 to 1.00 gm. 

2. Extractum Rhei Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rhubarb. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 
Fluid Extract of Rhubarb is tised to make Mistura Rhei et Sodae and 
Syrupus Rhei. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

3. Pilulse Rhei. — Pills of Rhubarb. Rhubarb, 20 ; Soap, 6 gm., 
to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 3 gr ; .20 gm. of Rhubarb. 

Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

4. Pilulse Rhei Compositae. — Compound Pills of Rhubarb. Rhu- 
barb, 13; Purified Aloes, 10; Myrrh, 6 gm. ; Oil of Peppermint, 0.5 
c.c, to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 2 gr. ; .13 gm. of Rhubarb. 

Dose, 1 tq 3 pills. 

5. Pulvis Rhei Compositus. — Compound Powder of Rhubarb.] 
Synonym. — Gregory's powder. [Rhubarb, 25 ; Magnesia, 65; Ginger, 10. 

Dose, }4 to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

6. Tinctura Rhei. —Tincture of Rhubarb. Rhubarb, 100 ; Car- 
damom, 20; Glycerin, 100 ; Alcohol and Water to 1000; by macera- 
tion and percolation. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. (stomachic) ; 1 to 4 fl.dr. ; 4. 
to 15. c.c. (purgative). 

7. Tinctura Rhei Aromatica. — Aromatic Tincture of Rhubarb. 
Rhubarb, 200; Cassia Cinnamon, 40 ; Cloves, 40; Nutmeg, 20; Gly- 
cerin, 100; Diluted Alcohol, to 1000. By maceration and percolation. 
Aromatic Tincture of Rhubar bis used to make Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus. 

Dose, 1 to 3 fl. dr. ; 4. to 12. c.c. 

8. Tinctura Rhei Dulcis. — Sweet Tincture of Rhubarb. Rhu- 
barb, 100; Glycyrrhiza, 40; Anise, 40; Cardamom, 10 ; Glycerin, 100; 
Diluted Alcohol, to iooo. By maceration and percolation. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c. 

9. Mistura Rhei et Sodae. — Mixture of Rhubarb and Soda. So- 
dium Bicarbonate, 35 ; Fluid Extract of Rhubarb, 15 ; Fluid Extract of 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 463 

Ipecac, 3; Spirit of Peppermint, 25; Glycerin, 350; Water to 1000. 
By solution. 

Dose, % to 2 fl. oz. ; 8. to 60. c.c. 

10. Syiupus Rhei. — Syrup of Rhubarb. Fluid Extract of Rhu- 
barb, 100; Potassium Carbonate, 10; Spirit of Cinnamon, 4 ; Glyce- 
rin, 50 ; Water and Syrup to 1000. By solution. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; 4 to 15. c.c. 

11. Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus. — Aromatic Syrup of Rhubarb. 
Aromatic Tincture of Rhubarb, 150 ; Syrup, 850. By mixture. 

Dose, 1 fl. dr. ; 4. c.c. for a child.] 

Action of Rhubarb. 

External. — Probably rhubarb would have, to a mild degree, 
the same action as [chrysarobin], but it is never applied ex- 
ternally. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — In the mouth, rhubarb in- 
creases the flow of saliva; and in the stomach, in small doses, it, 
like any other bitter substance, stimulates the flow of gastric 
juice, and the vascularity and peristaltic movements of the 
stomach. It is, therefore, a stomachic, and will aid digestion. 
In large doses it causes purgation, producing in from four to 
eight hours a liquid motion, colored yellow by the [chrysarobin]. 
The resinous constituents of rhubarb are said to increase the flow 
of bile, but certainly its cholagogue action is not sufficiently 
powerful to completely explain its purgative properties. It is 
commonly stated to very actively exaggerate intestinal peristalsis, 
but there is no adequate proof of this. It is liable to gripe. The 
purgation is followed by constipation ; this is ascribed to the 
rheotannic acid : if so, it is probably absorbed and subsequently 
re-excreted into the intestines, otherwise it would all be swept 
away in the purging. 

Kidneys. — The coloring matter is excreted in the urine, and 
stains it yellow. The urinary flow is slightly increased. 

Therapeutics of Rhubarb. 

Rhubarb is commonly given to children as a stomachic pur- 
gative in indigestion, especially when caused by errors of diet, 
for it clears away any undigested food, and its stomachic and 



464 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

after-astringent effects are valuable. In the same way it is useful 
in diarrhoea due to irritation caused by undigested food ; here 
the after-astringency is especially serviceable. A powder of 
powdered rhubarb and sodium bicarbonate (which [conceals] the 
taste) equal parts, with some powdered gentian, forms an excel- 
lent stomachic for young children. Rhubarb should never be 
given alone, because of the griping it causes. 

[JUGLANS. 

JUGLANS. — Synonym. — Butternut. The bark of the root of Juglans 
cinerea Linne (nat. ord. Juglandacecz), collected in autumn. Habitat. — North 
America. 

Characters. — In flat or curved pieces, about 5 mm. thick ; the outer 
surface dark gray and nearly smooth, or deprived of the soft cork and deep 
brown ; the inner surface smooth aud striate ; transverse fracture short, deli- 
cately checkered, whitish and brown ; odor, feeble ; taste bitter and somewhat 
acrid. 

Composition. — (1) Nucin, C 10 H 6 O 8 . (2) Juglandic Acid. (3) Fixed 
Oil, 4 per cent. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Juglandis. — Extract of Juglans. By maceration and 
percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Butternut. 

Butternut is a mild cathartic, and resembling rhubarb in the 
property of evacuating, without debilitating, the alimentary canal. 
It was much employed during the war of the Revolution.] 

SENNA. 

SENNA. — [The leaflets of Cassia acutifolia Delile (Alexandria Senna), 
and of Cassia angustifolia Vahn (India Senna) ; (nat. ord. Leguminoscs) . 

Characters. — Alexandria Senna consists of leaflets about 25 mm. 
long and 10 mm. broad, lanceolate, or lance-oval, subcoriaceous, brittle, rather 
pointed, equally oblique at the base, entire, grayish-green, somewhat pubes- 
cent, of a peculiar odor, and a nauseous, bitter taste. Habitat. — Eastern and 
Central Africa.] 

Resembling Senna. — Argel leaves (the leaves of Solenostcmma Argel 
[Hayne, (nat. ord. Asclepiadece) , which are frequently present; these leaves 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 465 

are thicker, one-veined, wrinkled, glaucous] and are equal at the base, as also 
are the leaves of Uva Ursi and Buchu. 

[India Senna. — Synonym. — Tinnivelly Senna. Consists of leaflets from 
3 to 5 cm. long and io to 15 mm. broad; lanceolate, acute, unequally oblique 
at the base, entire, thin, yellowish green or dull green, nearly smooth; odor 
peculiar, somewhat tea-like; taste mucilaginous, bitter and nauseous. Habitat. 
— Eastern Africa to India; cultivated. 

Impurities. — Stalks, discolored leaves, and other admixtures.] 

Composition of Both Kinds. — The chief constituents are — (1 ) Cathar- 
iic Acid, C 180 H 96 N. 2 SO 82 , a black, amorphous Glucoside. It exists as salts of 
earthy bases, such as Calcium and Magnesium, which are soluble in water. 
Cathartic Acid is capable of decomposition into Glucose and Cathartogenic 
Acid. It is the chief purgative principle in Senna and other purgatives. (2) 
Sennacrol and Sennapicrin, [C 34 H 58 17 ,] glucosides, which do not, in most 
preparations, contribute to their action, as they are insoluble in water. (3) 
Chrysophanic Acid in small amounts as a coloring matter [see Rhubarb and 
Chrysarobinum). (4) Cathartomannit, [C 21 H 44 19 ], a peculiar unfermentable 
sugar. 

Dose, 1 to 3 dr. ; [4. to 12. gm.] 

Preparations . 

1. Confectio Sennse. — [Confection of Senna. Senna, 100 ; Oil of 
Coriander, 5; Fig, 120; Tamarind, 100; Cassia Fistula, 160; Prune, 
70; Sugar, 555; Water to make 1000. By sifting, digestion and eva- 
poration. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

2. Extractum Sennae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Senna. By 
maceration, percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Senna is used to prepare Syrupus Sarsaparillae 
Compositus. 

Dose, 1 to 3 fl. dr.; 4. to 12. c.c. 

3. Infusum Sennae Compositum. — Compound Infusion of 
Senna. Synonym. — Black Draught. Senna, 60; Manna, 120; Mag- 
nesium Sulphate, 1 20; Fennel, 20; Boiling Water, 500; Cold Water 
to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz.; 30. to 60. c.c. 

4. Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus. — Compound Powder of 
Glycyrrhiza. Synonym. — Compound Liquorice Powder. Senna, 180; 
Glycyrrhiza, 236; Oil of Fennel, 4; Washed Sulphur, 80; Sugar, 500. 

Dose, *4 to 2 dr.; 2. to 8. gm. 

5. Syrupus Sennae. — Syrup of Senna. Alexandria Senna, 25 ; 
30 



466 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Oil of Coriander, 5 ; Sugar, 700 Alcohol, 150; Water to 1000. By 
digestion, straining, evaporation and filtration. 
Dose, X to x A- oz -> 8 - to 3°- c » c «] 

Action of Senna. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Senna, because of the cathartic acid in it, stimu- 
lates the muscular coat of the intestine, especially the colon, and 
produces some hyperaemia. Consequently the .fluid contents of 
the small intestine are hurried through the colon, and pale yellow 
watery stools, containing some undigested food, are the result. 
Senna acts very feebly or not at all on the biliary secretion. 
Large doses open the bowels several times and produce griping, 
but not much hyperaemia. Probably there are other substances 
in senna, besides cathartic acid, having a purgative property, 
but it is by far the most important. Purgation by senna does not 
subsequently cause constipation. Some constituents of it are 
absorbed, and may cause the urine to be red. It will purge, if 
injected into the veins, and will impart its purgative properties 
to the milk of nursing women. 

Therapeutics of Senna. 

Senna is a safe, useful purgative for cases of simple constipa- 
tion. It is, because of its tendency to gripe and its nauseous 
taste, rarely given alone. The compound liquorice powder is to 
be preferred to the compound infusion of senna ("black 
draught "), as this is a [disagreeable] mixture. Senna is largely 
used to complete the effect of duodenal purgatives, as we see in 
the old prescription of a blue pill at night and a black draught 
in the morning. Acting on the colon, it is valuable in slight 
cases of faecal collection. Compound liquorice powder is much 
used in habitual constipation and the constipation of pregnancy. 
Confection of senna, coated with chocolate, forms the well-known 
purgative, Tamar Indien, and in this form can be taken by chil- 
dren. It is said that an infusion contains more of the active 
principles than the other preparations ; it soon decomposes, but 
nitre [1 to 480] will prevent this. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 467 



FRANGULA. 



[FRANGULA. — Synonym. — Buckthorn. The bark of Rhamnus 
Frangula Linne (nat. ord. Rhamnece), collected at least one year before being 
used. Habitat. — Europe and Northern Asia. 

Characters. — Quilled, about I mm. thick ; outer surface grayish-brown, 
or blackish-brown, with numerous small, whitish, transversely elongated 
lenticels ; inner surface smooth, pale, brownish-yellow ; fracture in the outer 
layer short, of a purplish tint ; in the inner layer fibrous and pale yellow ; 
when masticated, coloring the saliva yellow ; nearly inodorous; taste sweetish 
and bitter.] 

Composition. — Fresh bark contains a glucoside, Frangulin [C 20 H 20 O 10 ]. 
This in the old bark has become converted into Emodin, [C 15 H 10 O 5 ] (also 
found in Rhubarb), to which the value of the bark is due. [Two products are 
obtained from Frangulin by hydrolysis, Emodin and Rhamnose, C 6 H 12 5 . 

Dose, y 2 to i dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

Prepai'ation. 
Extractum Frangulae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Frangula. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 
Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. ex.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Frangula. 

The fresh bark is a violent gastro-intestinal irritant, but that 
which has been kept a year is a mild laxative, acting like senna; 
it is suitable for children, and for use in chronic constipation. 

[RHAMNUS PURSHIANA. 

CASCARA SAGRAD A. —Synonyms.— Sacred Bark. Chittem Bark. 
The bark of Rhamnus Purshiana De Candolle (nat. ord. Rkamnece), Hab- 
itat. — Northern Idaho, and westward to the Pacific Coast. 

Characters. — In quills or curved pieces, about 3 to 10 cm, long, and 
about 2 mm. thick ; outer surface brownish-gray and whitish ; the young bark 
having numerous, rather broad, pale-colored warts ; inner surface yellowish to 
light brownish, becoming dark brown by age ; smooth or finely striate ; fracture 
short, yellowish, in the inner layer of thick bark somewhat fibrous ; inodorous ; 
taste bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cascarin, [a glucoside] 
said to be identical with Frangulin [see above). [(2) Three resins. (3) 
Acids. (4) A volatile oil. The fresh bark causes much griping, but the 
unpleasant effect is lost if the bark is kept and properly cured.] 

Dose, y to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4 gm. 



468 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[Preparation. 

Extractum Rhamni Purshianse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Rhamnus Purshiana. By maceration and percolation with Diluted 
Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, X to i fl. dr.; I. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cascara Sagrada. 
Cascara Sagrada is a simple laxative and aperient, not 
causing much griping, and resembling in its action [buckthorn], 
but it is more certain and more active. The bitter principle gives 
it stomachic properties. It is very serviceable for constipation, 
especially if chronic. A single dose may either be taken in the 
evening, or 10 to 15 minims; .60 to 1.00 c.c, of the fluid ex- 
tract may be given three times a day before meals. One advan- 
tage of its use is that gradually increasing doses are not required. 
The fluid extract is very bitter ; this taste may be concealed by 
aromatics, liquorice or sal volatile, and it may be given in chloro- 
form water. The British Pharmaceutical Conference advises the 
following syrup: — Liquid extract of cascara sagrada, 16 ; liquid 
extract of liquorice, 12; Tinctura Carminativa, 1 (see Cardamom); 
Syrup to 64. Dose, 1 to 4 i dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

ALOE. 

ALOE BARBADENSIS.— Barbadoes Aloes. [Synonym.— Curacoa 
Aloes. The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe vera (Linn6) Webb (nat. 
ord. LiliacecB). HaHtat. — Island of Barbadoes. 

Characters. — In hard masses, orange-brown, opaque, translucent on the 
edges ; fracture waxy or resinous, somewhat conchoidal ; odor saffron-like ; 
taste strongly bitter. 

Dose, y 2 to 10 gr.; .03 to .60 gm.] 

ALOE SOCOTRINA. — Socotrine Aloes. [The inspissated juice of 
the leaves of Aloe Perryi Baker (nat. ord. Liliacece. Habitat. — Eastern 
Africa. 

Characters. — In hard masses, occasionally soft in the interior, opaque, 
yellowish-brown, orange-brown or dark ruby-red, not greenish } translucent on 
the edges , fracture resinous, somewhat conchoidal. When breathed upon, it 
emits a fragrant saffron-like odor. Taste peculiar, strongly bitter. Solubility. 
— Almost entirely soluble in Alcohol and in 4 parts of boiling water. The 
aqueous solution becomes turbid on cooling and yields a deposit. Moistened 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 469 

with Alcohol] and examined in a thin stratum under the microscope, Socotrine 
Aloes exhibits numerous crystals. [Socotrine Aloes is less deep in color, less 
opaque, its powder is brighter and more reddish, and its odor is not nearly so 
disagreeable as that of Barbadoes Aloes.] Some specimens of Socotrine Aloes 
are more or less opaque and liver-colored, and -then are called Hepatic Aloes. 

Composition. — (i) Aloin,seep. 470. (2) A Resin. (3) A trace of Gallic 
Acid. (4) A trace of a volatile oil giving the odor. Resembling Aloes, — Resins 
of Jalap, Guaiacum [and Catechu.] 

Dose, }i to 10 gr.; [.03 to .60 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Aloe Purificata. — Purified Aloes. Socotrine Aloes, 1000; 
Alcohol, 200. Heat, strain, and evaporate. 

Characters. — In irregular, brittle pieces, of a dull brown or red- 
dish-brown color, and having the peculiar, aromatic odor of Socotrine 
Aloes. It is almost entirely soluble in Alcohol. 

Purified Aloes are contained in Extractum Colocynthidis Composi- 
tum, Pilulje Rhei Composite and Tinctura Benzoini Composita. 

Dose, y^ to 10 gr. ; .03 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Aloes. — Extract of Aloes. Socotrine Aloes; by 
disintegration by boiling in distilled water; filtration and evaporation. 

Dose, )4 to s gr. ; .03 to .20 gm. 

3. Pilulae Aloes. — Pills of Aloes. Purified Aloes, 13; Soap, 13 
gm. ; to make 1 00 pills. Each pill contains 2 gr. ; 13 gm. of Aloes. 

Dose, 1 to 4 pills. 

4. Pilulae Aloes et Asafoetidas. — Pills of Aloes and Asafetida. 
Purified Aloes, 9 ; Asafetida, 9; Soap, 9 gm; to make 100 pills. Each 
pill contains 1^3 gr. ; .09 gm. of Aloes. 

Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

5. Pilulae Aloes et Ferri. — Pills of Aloes and Iron. Purified 
Aloes, 7 ; Dried Ferrous Sulphate, 7 ; Aromatic Powder, 7 gm. ; Con- 
fection of Rose, a sufficient quantity to make 100 pills. Each pill 
contains about I gr. • .07 gm. , of Aloes. 

Dose, 1 to 4 pills. 

6. Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches. — Pills of Aloes and Mastic. 
Purified Aloes, 13; Mastic, 4; Red Rose, 3 gm. ; to make 100 pills. 
Each pill contains 2 gr. ; .13 gm., of Aloes. 

Dose, 1 to 3 pills. 

7. Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhae. — Pills of Aloes and Myrrh. Puri- 
fied Aloes, 13 ; Myrrh, 6 ; Aromatic Powder, 4 gm. ; Syrup, a sufficient 
quantity to make 100 pills. Each pill contains 2 gr. ; .13 gm., of Aloes. 

Dose, 2 to 10 Pills. 



470 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

8. Tinctura Aloes. — Tincture of Aloes. Purified Aloes, ioo ; 
Liquorice Root, 200. Macerate with Diluted Alcohol and percolate to 
1000. 

Dose, X to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

g. Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae. — Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh 
Synonym. — Elixir Proprietatis Paracelsi. Purified Aloes, 100; Myrrh, 
100; Liquorice Root, 100. Macerate with Alcohol and Water, and 
percolate to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2^ fl. dr. ; 4. to 10. c.c] 

ALOINUM. — Aloin. [A neutral principle obtained from several 
varieties of Aloes, chiefly Barbadoes Aloes (yielding Barbaloiri) and Socotrine 
or Zanzibar Aloes (yielding Socaloin), — differing more or less in chemical com- 
position and physical properties according to the source from which it is 
derived. 

Barbaloin, C 17 H 20 O 7 , is soluble in about 60 parts of water, 20 parts of 
Alcohol, or 470 parts of Ether. 

Socaloin, C 15 H 16 7 , is soluble in about 60 parts of water, 30 parts of 
absolute Alcohol, 380 parts of Ether, or 9 parts of Acetic Ether.] 

Characters. — Minute, acicular crystals, or a microcrystalline powder, 
varying in color from yellow to yellowish-brown, odorless or possessing a 
slight odor of Aloes, or a characteristic bitter taste, and permanent in the air. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Action of Aloes. 

External. — Aloes has no external action on the unbroken 
skin, but it can be absorbed from a raw surface, for aloes sprink- 
led on an ulcer, to which it is a slight stimulant, will lead to 
purging. 

Internal. — Gastro-Intestinal tract, — In the stomach the bitter 
principle of aloes causes it to act as a stomachic, like other 
bitters. In the intestine it increases the rate of the flow of 
bile, and probably the amount secreted. It [produces] little influ- 
ence in the small intestine, but the muscular coat of the colon 
is powerfully stimulated, and the intestinal secretion from that 
part slightly accelerated. Aloes, therefore, purges, and naturally 
takes some time, usually fifteen to twenty hours, to act ; the mo- 
tion is well formed, not very soft, as there is so little increased 
secretion of fluid, and dark colored from the bile in it. Some- 
times the drug gripes somewhat, because the muscular contraction 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 471 

it produces is irregular. As it acts chiefly on the lower bowel 
the habitual use of it may lead to piles. 

Female genital organs. — Aloes will aggravate the menstrual 
flow ; it is therefore an emmenagogue. It is excreted by the 
milk, for aloes given to the mother may purge the child. It is 
stated also to be excreted in the urine, [and it is quite likely that 
the habitual use <jf aloes will result in irritation of the kidneys.] 

Barbadoes aloes is more purgative than Socatrine aloes. As 
a rule aloin acts like aloes. Some specimens, however, have very 
little action. This may be owing to adulteration, or differences 
in composition of different specimens. 

Therapeutics of Aloes. 

- Aloes is an excellent purgative for cases of habitual constipa- 
tion, many of which are due to an imperfect contraction of the 
muscular coat of the large intestine. It is very commonly given 
as a dinner pill (i gr.; .06 gm., of extract of aloes and ^ gr. ; 
.015 gm , of extract of nux vomica) to sufferers from chronic 
constipation, and in these cases its bitter principles acting as 
stomachics aid digestion. To avoid griping it is well to com- 
bine a little extract of hyoscyamus or a little extract of bella- 
donna with it. [Aloin does not gripe so much as the prepara- 
tions of aloes.] One great advantage of aloes is that the dose 
need not be gradually increased. It is also very commonly given 
as a pill with nux vomica and a grain or two ; .06 or . 12 gm., of 
dried [ferrous] sulphate to persons suffering from chlorosis and 
other forms of anaemia. It overcomes the chronic constipation 
so common in these cases, and some regard this as very important 
for the cure of the disease. The amenorrhcea so frequently asso- 
ciated with chlorosis is often benefited by aloes, and amenorrhcea 
due to other causes may also be relieved. Aloes is of great ser- 
vice in many cases of chronic constipation of children. A warm 
aqueous solution of aloin purges when injected subcutaneously. 
Aloes must not be given in pregnancy or menorrhagia. [If a 
patient suffers from haemorrhoids which are not inflamed, aloes 
can be safely administered, and even with marked benefit if they 
are due to a relaxed rectal mucous membrane, (Barker).] The 



472 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

enema [B. P., Socotrine aloes, 8; potassium carbonate, 3; muci- 
lage of starch, 960.] is anthelmintic. 

Class III.— DRASTIC PURGATIVES. 
SCAMMONIUM. 

SCAMMONY. — [A resinous exudation from the living root of Convol- 
vulus Scammonia, Linne (nat. ord. Convolvulacece). Habitat. — Western 
Asia. 

Characters. — In irregular, angular pieces or circular cakes, greenish- 
gray or blackish, internally porous, and breaking with an angular fracture, of 
a resinous lustre ; odor peculiar, somewhat cheese-like ; taste slightly acrid ; 
powder gray or greenish-gray. ] 

Impurities. — Chalk and Starch. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are: (1) The resin [see below), 75 
to 95 per cent. (2) Gum, 5 to 20 per cent. (3) Starch. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr.; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 

Resina Scammonii. — Resin of Scammony. 

Source. — [Digest Scammony with successive portions of boiling 
Alcohol, distil off the Alcohol, precipitate the Resin with Water, wash 
it several times, and dry with gentle heat. 

Characters. — Yellowish-brown or brownish-yellow masses or 
fragments, breaking with glossy, resinous fracture, translucent at the 
edges ; or a yellowish-white or grayish- white powder, having a faint 
peculiar odor, and a slight, peculiar taste. Solubility. — In Alcohol 
in all proportions • also wholly soluble in Ether and in Oil of Turpen- 
tine. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is Scammonin, CggH^gO^, 
the same as Jalapin, see p. 474.] __— — 

Impurities. — Guaiacum resin, which blues potato. Resin of jalap, 
insoluble in Ether. 

Resin of Scammony is contained in Extractum Colocy nthidis Com- 
positum. 

Dose, [1 to 8 gr. ; .06 to .50 gm.] 

Action of Scammony. 
Gastro-intestinal tract. — Scammony has no effect till it 
reaches the duodenum. With the bile it forms a strongly 
purgative compound, powerfully stimulating the intestinal 
glands and causing a profuse secretion of intestinal fluids. There 
is some exaggeration of vascularity, some irregular stimulation of 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 473 

the muscular coat, but these are comparatively slight, and there 
is little if any addition to the biliary flow. As a result of these 
actions, in about four hours there is a profuse watery evacua- 
tion of the bowels. The drug is, therefore, a powerful hydra- 
gogue cathartic, and, in large doses, a strong gastro-intestinal 
irritant. Its action is attended with some griping. It produces 
no effect if injected into the blood, and therefore acts only locally 
on the intestine. It is anthelmintic to both round-worms and 
tape-worms. 

Therapeutics of Scammony. 

Scammony being a prompt purgative, obstinate constipation 
in either children or adults may be treated with it. It may also 
be given as an anthelmintic. 

JALAPA. 

JALAP. — [The tuberous root of Ipomcea Jalapa, Nuttall (nat. ord. Con- 
volvulacece). Habitat. — Eastern Mexico. 

Characters. — Napiform, pyriform or oblong, varying in size, the large 
roots incised, more or less wrinkled, dark brown, with lighter- colored spots, 
and short, transverse ridges; hard, compact ; internally pale grayish-brown, 
with numerous concentric circles composed of small resin-cells; fracture resin- 
ous, not fibrous ; odor slight, but peculiar, smoky and sweetish ; taste sweetish 
and acrid. On exhausting ioo parts of Jalap by Alcohol, concentrating the 
tincture, and pouring it into water, a precipitate of resin should be obtained, 
which, after washing with water and drying, should weigh not less than 12 
parts, and of which not over 10 per cent, should be soluble in Ether]. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are: (1) The official resin {see 
p. 474), 7 to 22 per cent, mostly Jalapurgin, C 62 H 100 O 32 . (2) A soft resin. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Jalapse. — [Extract of Jalap. By maceration and 
percolation, with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Extract of Jalap is contained in Pilulse Catharticae Composite and 
Pilulae Catharticae Vegetabiles. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; .12 to .50 gm. 

2. Pulvis Jalapse Compositus. — Compound powder of Jalap. 
Synonym. — Pulvis Purgans. Jalap, 35 ; Potassium Bitartrate, 65. 

Dose, % to 1 dr.; 1. to 4. gm. 



474 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

3. Resina Jalapse. — Resin of Jalap. 

Source. — By maceration with Alcohol, percolation, distillation of 
• the Alcohol, and precipitation with water, and drying. 

Characters. — Yellowish-brown, or brown masses or fragments, 
breaking with a resinous, glossy fracture, translucent at the edges, or a 
yellowish- gray or yellowish-brown powder, having a slight, peculiar 
odor, and a somewhat acrid taste]. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Jalapurgin, a 
glucoside, a hard substance insoluble in Ether, more irritant than 
Jalapin, and probably the most active ingredient of Jalap. (2) Jalapin 
or Convolvulin, [identical with Scammonin\. This is a soft resinous 
substance, soluble in Ether. It is found in Jalap wood and Jalap stalk. 
(3) Starch and Gum. Resembling Jalap Resin. — Aloes,which is bitter. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr.; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Jalap. 
The mode of action of jalap is precisely the same as that 
of scammony, with only two exceptions. It causes a greater 
secretion of intestinal juice, and is therefore more hydragogue; 
it stimulates the vessels and muscular coat less, and therefore is 
less irritant and griping. 

Therapeutics of Jalap. 
Jalap is very largely used as as hydragogue purgative when we 
want to draw off large quantities of fluid ; therefore it is especially 
suitable for patients with Bright's disease, for those suffering from 
uraemia, and for those with dropsy from any cause. Large doses 
should not be given if the intestinal mucous membrane is liable 
to inflame easily. It is occasionally employed for severe consti- 
pation. [An old prescription consists of equal parts of powdered 
jalap and calomel, well triturated. The dose is from 5 to 10 gr. ; 
.30 to .60 gm. This is known as Rush's thunderbolt. Curi- 
ously enough, it does not gripe. 

BRYONIA. 

BRYONIA. — Synonym. — Bryony. The root of Bryonia alba, and 
of Bryonia dioica Linne (nat. ord. Cucurbitacece). Habitat. — Central and 
Southern Europe. 

Characters. — In transverse sections about 5 cm. in diameter, the bark 
gray -brown, rough, thin, the central portion whitish or grayish, with numerous, 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 475 

small, projecting wood-bundles arranged in circles and radiating lines; fracture 
short ; inodorous ; taste disagreeably bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Bryonin, Q^H^Og, a 
bitter glucoside; (2) Resin; (3) Starch ; (4) Gum. 

Dose, 10 to 60 gr. ; .60 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Bryonia. — Tincture of Bryonia. Bryonia, 100; by 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 
Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr.; 8. to 15. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Bryonia. 
Bryonia is an active hydragogue cathartic, which was for- 
merly much employed, but has been superseded by jalap.] 

OLEUM [TIGLII. 

CROTON OIL. — A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Croton Tig- 
liuni Linne (nat. ord. Euphorbiacece). Habitat. — India and Philippine 
Islands ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A pale yellow or brownish-yellow, somewhat viscid, and 
slightly fluorescent liquid, having a slight fatty odor, and a mild, oily, after- 
wards acrid and burning taste ; when applied to the skin, it produces rubefac- 
tion or a pustular eruption. Sp. gr., 0.940 to 0.960. Solubility. — "When 
fresh, in about 60 parts of Alcohol, the solubility increasing by age ; feebly 
soluble in Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, and in fixed or volatile oils. 
The oil should be at least two years old ; when fresh it is of no value,.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Several volatile acids (1 
per cent, in all); these give the odor. [ Tiglinic Acid, C 5 H 8 2 ,] is the charac- 
teristic one ; the others are Acetic, Isobutyric, Isovalerianic, Formic, Laurie, 
Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic, existing as glycerides. (2) Several fatty acids, 
both free and combined to form fats. (3) Crotonol, [C 18 H 24 4 (?)] a substance 
which is non-purgative, but is capable of causing cutaneous irritation. 

Dose, % to 2 m. ; [.015 to .12 c.c] on a lump of sugar, or mixed with 
Castor Oil or Vaseline, and placed at the back of the mouth. 

Croton seeds are not official, but it is important to recognize them. They 
are [13 mm.] long, [8 mm] broad, ovoid and bluntly oblong, covered with a 
brown shell, which on scraping becomes black. The kernel is white and oily. 
They yield 50 to 60 per cent, of Croton Oil. They are known from Castor- 
oil seeds, which are like them, by the fact that the Castor-oil seeds are bright, 
polished and mottled. 

Action of Croton Oil. 
External. — Croton oil is one of the most powerful irri- 
tants in the pharmacopoeia. A drop placed on the skin causes 



476 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

redness, burning pain, and quickly a crop of vesicles form (vesi- 
cation) ; these rapidly become pustules (pustulation), and the 
surrounding subcutaneous tissue is red and cedematous. [The 
pustules may be umbilicated, but differ from variolous pustules in 
that they vary greatly in their size.] 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Very soon after a drop 
has been taken there is considerable griping and abdominal 
pain. In an hour or two the bowels are opened, and this may 
subsequently occur several times, the motions becoming more 
and more fluid. The croton oil greatly aggravates the vascularity 
of the stomach and intestines, the mucous membrane of which 
becomes red, cedematous and angry-looking; there is a great 
increase of the intestinal secretion, but none of the bile. The 
drug produces, in fact, severe enteritis, and to a less extent 
gastritis. The motions may contain blood. These effects are 
all due to the local [action] of the croton oil. It is probable that 
the peristaltic movements are increased also ; whether this is a 
result of the irritation, or of some action of the drug exerted after 
absorption, is not known. Croton oil applied to the skin may 
cause free purgation. 

Therapeutics of Croton Oil. 
External. — Croton oil was formerly employed externally as 
an irritant and a counter-irritant for inflamed joints, pleurisy, 
bronchitis, phthisis, etc. ; but it is not often so used now, as the 
scars left after the suppuration are very unsightly, the application 
is too painful and the inflammation induced too severe. [Corson's 
paint is a 5 to 15 per cent, solution of croton oil in ether, to 
which a small quantity of tincture of iodine is added to color it]. 
A little croton oil spread over an area not exceeding that of a 
[dime] may be applied to set up suppuration in the scalp, and so 
destroy an inveterate patch of ringworm if it is wished to cure it 
quickly. The croton oil will certainly do this, but the resulting 
suppuration is so severe that the remedy should be used with care, 
and only when all others have failed. The liniment [of the B. 
P. 15 per cent, of croton oil in equal parts of oil of cajuput and 
alcohol], well diluted, is occasionally employed to stimulate the 
skin in alopecia. 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 477 

Internal. — Croton oil should only be given in very obstinate 
constipation, not due to organic obstruction, and only one dose 
should be administered. Not more than one or two drops should 
be prescribed. Constipation due to lead poisoning and faecal 
impaction are sometimes suitable cases. Placed on the back of 
the tongue, it is, on account of its small bulk, a useful purgative 
for lunatics who refuse to take anything, and for unconscious 
patients, because in such cases it is quickly swallowed reflexly ; 
hence also it is commonly given to those who are unconscious 
from apoplexy. It must never be administered to children, to 
pregnant women, to feeble subjects, to those with haemorrhoids, 
nor to those suffering from peritonitis, gastritis, or enteritis. 

COLOCYNTHIS. 

CO'LOCYNTH.— [Synonyms.— Bitter Apple. Bitter Gourd. Bitter Cu- 
cumber. The fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis, Schrader (nat. ord. Cucur- 
bitacece), deprived of its rind. Habitat. — Southern and Western Asia, 
Northern and Southern Africa, Greece and Spain. 

Characters. — From 5 to 10 cm. in diameter; globular ; white or yel- 
lowish-white; light, spongy; readily breaking into three wedge-shaped pieces, 
each containing near the rounded surface, many flat, ovate, brown seeds ; 
inodorous ; taste intensely bitter. The pulp only should be used, the seeds 
being separated and rejected.] 

Impurities. — Seeds and cortex. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Colocynthin, [C 56 H 84 23 ] 
about 2 per cent., an amorphous or crystalline, bitter, active glucoside, readily 
soluble in water and Alcohol. (2) Resinous matter having the names of 
Citrullin, Colocynthein and Colocynthitin, insoluble in water. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr ; [.12 to .50 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Colocynthidis. — Extract of Colocynth. By 
maceration with Diluted Alcohol, expression and straining; percolation 
and evaporation. 

Dose, y^ to 2 gr. ; .03 to .12 gm. 

2. Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. — Compound Extract 
of Colocynth. Extract of Colocynth, 160; Purified Aloes, 500; Car- 
damom, 60 ; Resin of Scammony, 140; Soap, 140; Alcohol, 100. 
By melting, straining and reducing to power. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1 00 gm. 



478 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

3. Pilulae Catharticse Compositse. — See Mercury, p. 201. 

4. Pilulae Catharticas Vegetabiles. — Vegetable Cathartic Pills. 
Compound Extract of Colocynth, 60 ; Extract of Hyoscyamus, 30 ; 
Extract of Jalap, 30 ; Extract of Leptandra, 15 ; Resin of Podophyllum, 
l 5 g m - > Oil °f Peppermint, 8 c.c. ; Water, to make 1000 pills. 

Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

Action of Colocynth. 
In small doses colocynth acts as a simple bitter, increasing 
the gastric and intestinal secretions and improving the appetite. 
In larger doses it augments considerably the flow of bile and suc- 
cus entericus, stimulates the muscular coat, causes a little griping, 
and leads to the evacuation of a watery motion. In still 
larger doses the hypersecretion is excessive and the griping is 
severe because the muscular coat is powerfully irritated, and 
several abundant watery motions result. The drug may therefore 
be called drastic, hydragogue, and cathartic. The depres- 
sion produced may be considerable. 

Therapeutics of Colocynth. 
Colocynth should never be given alone, because of the grip- 
ing it causes. In the colocynth and hyoscyamus pill, 1 part of 
colocynth, 2 parts of hyoscyamus, which is often prescribed, the 
hyoscyamus prevents this painful result. Colocynth is an excel- 
lent purgative for producing a single abundant evacuation of the 
bowels in chronic constipation, such as that so often met with in 
persons suffering from hepatic disorder, and in those confined to 
bed. Because of the watery character of the motions it may be 
given in ascites or Bright's disease, but jalap or scammony is 
usually preferred. It is too irritant for habitual use. It should 
never be administered if there is any suspicion of intestinal or 
gastric inflammation, nor in pregnancy. It is often combined 
with milder purgatives. A diuretic action has been claimed for 
it, but this is unimportant. 

ELATERINUM. 
[ELATERIN. — C 20 H 28 O 5 =347. 20. A neutral principle obtained from 
Elaterium, a substance deposited by the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Ela- 
terium (Linne) A. Richard (nat. ord. Cucurbitacece). Synonym. — Squirting 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 479 

Cucumber. Habitat. — Western Asia, Northern Africa and Southern Europe ; 
cultivated. 

Source. — Exhaust Elaterium with Chloroform. Add Ether, wash the 
resulting precipitate with Ether; purify by recrystallization with Chloroform. 

Characters. — Minute, white, hexagonal scales, or prismatic crystals, 
without odor, and having a slightly acrid, bitter taste ; permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — In 4250 parts of water, and in 337 parts of Alcohol : also soluble 
in 543 parts of Ether, or in 2.4 parts of Chloroform.] 

Dose, ^ to T \ gr. [.003 to .005 gm.] 

Preparation. 

[Trituratio Elaterini. — Trituration of Elaterin. Elaterin, 10; 
Sugar of Milk, 90. 

Dose, y z to 1 gr. ; .03 to .06 gm.] 

Action of Elaterin. 
Elaterin is violently purgative, producing profuse watery- 
evacuations, attended with griping and much prostration. It 
acts like colocynth, and except that it is much more energetic, the 
description of that drug will apply to it. It increases the salivary 
secretion. When injected subcutaneously it purges. It is the 
most powerful hydragogue purgative in the Pharmacopoeia. 

Therapeutics of Elaterin. 

Elaterin should not be given in ordinary constipation, as it is 
too violent in its effects, but on account of the large amount of 
fluid it brings away it is in suitable cases very useful in ascites and 
in Bright' s disease. The same cautions as were enumerated for 
colocynth are still more necessary here. It should not be given, 
or only with great care, in heart disease, on account of the de- 
pression produced. 

GAMBOGIA. 

[GAMBOGE. — A gum resin obtained from Garcinia Hanburii Hooker 
films (nat. ord. Gutliferce). Habitat. — Anam, Camboja and Siam. 

Characters. — In cylindrical pieces, sometimes hollow in the centre, 2 
to 5 cm. in diameter, longitudinally striate on the surface ; fracture flattish- 
conchoidal, of a waxy lustre, orange-red ; in powder bright yellow ; inodorous ; 
taste very acrid ; the powder sternutatory. Solubility. — It is partly soluble in 
Alcohol and in Ether.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A brilliant yellow Resin, 



480 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Gambogic Acid, [66 to 80 per cent. (2) Gum, 16 to 26 per cent.] This is 
soluble, so that an emulsion of Gambogic Acid is formed with water. 

Impurities. — Starch, woody fibre. 

\_Gamboge is contained in Pilulse Catharticse Compositge.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Action of Gamboge. 
Gamboge is a drastic, hydragogue purgative, causing 
much griping, and, in large doses, great irritation of the alimen- 
tary canal. Most of it passes in the faeces, but some is absorbed, 
causing the urine to. be yellow. It is slightly diuretic. 

Therapeutics of Gamboge. 
It is not often prescribed, as it is uncertain, and gripes con- 
siderably. It should never be given alone. It has been used as 

an anthelmintic. 

Class IV.— CHOLAGOGUES. 

PODOPHYLLUM. 

PODOPHYLLUM. - [%ot;;;w. — May Apple. Mandrake. The 
rhizome and roots of Podophyllum peltatum Linne (nat. ord. Berberidece). 
Habitat, — North America, in rich woods and thickets. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, consisting of joints about 5 cm. 
long, flattish cylindrical, about 5 mm. thick, but somewhat enlarged at the end, 
which has a circular scar on the upper side, a tuft of about ten, nearly simple, 
fragile roots on the lower side, and is sometimes branched laterally; smooth or 
somewhat wrinkled, orange-brown, internally white and mealy, with a circle 
of small wood-bundles ; pith large; nearly inodorous; taste sweetish, some- 
what bitter and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — [(1) The official Resin {see 
p. 481), 4 to 5 per cent. (2) Podopbyllic Acid, a coloring principle. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr.; .30 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Podophylli. — Extract of Podophyllum. By mac- 
eration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, distillation of the 
Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr.; .12 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Podophylli Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Podo- 
phyllum. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, 
distillation of the Alcohol and solution. 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; .30 to 1 . 20 c. c. ] 



VEGETABLE PURGATIVES. 481 

3. Resina Podophylli. — [Resin of Podophyllum. Synonym. — 
Podophyllin. 

Source. — By maceration and percolation in Alcohol, distillation of 
the Alcohol, precipitation of Resin in Hydrochloric Acid and Water ; 
wash and dry. 

Characters. — An amorphous powder, varying in color from 
grayish-white to pale greenish-yellow or yellowish-green, turning darker 
when exposed to heat ; having a slight, peculiar odor, and a peculiar, 
faintly bitter taste. Permanent in the air. Solubility. — In Alcohol in 
all proportions; Ether dissolves 15 to 20 per cent, of it.] 

Composition. — The Resin consists mainly of Podophyllotoxin, 
r_C 23 H 24 9 4-2H 2 0, which is said to be a mixture of Picropodophyllin, 
75 to 80 per cent., the purgative principle, and Podophyllic Acid; with 
these are associated minor resins, and Podophylloquercitin, a coloring 
principle. ] 

Incompatibles. - Water precipitates it from [Alcohol] ; acids pre- 
cipitate it from Ammonia. 

[Resin of Podophyllum is contained in Pilulse Catharticse Vege- 
tabiles.] 

Dose, }i to y 2 gr.; [.008 to .03 gm.] 

Action of Podophyllin. 

External. — It has no external action unless applied to 
raw surfaces, from which it may be absorbed, and then it will 
purge. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Podophyllin has a bitter 
taste. It is in large doses a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant, 
and has caused death. In medicinal doses it gives rise to much 
griping pain, perhaps some nausea, and in about ten hours there 
is an evacuation of the bowels ; the motion, which is liquid, 
is deeply stained with bile. The pain shows that the muscular 
coat is stimulated, the liquidity that probably more intestinal 
fluid is secreted, and the color that more bile is poured into the 
intestine. In small doses podophyllin decidedly increases the 
secretion of bile ; in purgative doses it does not, although more 
bile is poured from the bladder into the intestine. It is thus a 
direct and indirect cholagogue. It probably acts after absorp- 
tion, for all its effects can be produced if it is injected subcuta- 
neously. 
31 



482 organic materia medica. 

Therapeutics of Podophyllum. 
Podophyllum is only used for its cholagogue purgative ac- 
tion. [An old name for this drug is Vegetable Mercury.] It is espe- 
cially suitable for constipation due to hepatic disorder, whether 
functional, as in the hepatic dyspepsia which commonly goes by 
the name of biliousness, or organic, as in hepatic cirrhosis and 
cancer. It must be remembered that as it causes much griping, it 
should be combined with hyoscyamus or some other drug to over- 
come this ; that it takes a long while to act, and will therefore be 
swept away before it has produced any effect if given with quickly 
acting purgatives ; ' and that it is better to begin with small 
doses, as people are very unequally affected by it. It may be 
advantageously combined with calomel in a pill. It is so dis- 
agreeable to the taste that it is better to dissolve the resin in 
aromatic spirit of ammonia (i to 480). 

[LEPTANDRA. 

LEPTANDRA. — Synonym. — Culver's Root. The rhizome and roots 
of Veronica virginica Linne (nat ord. Scropkularinecz). Habitat. — United 
States, south to Georgia, and west to Minnesota, in low grounds. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, from 10 to 15 cm. long, and about 
5 mm. thick, somewhat flattened, bent and branched, deep blackish-brown, 
with cup-shaped scars on the upper side, hard, of a woody fracture, with a 
thin, blackish bark, a hard, yellowish wood, and a large, purplish-brown, about 
six-rayed pith; roots thin, wrinkled, very fragile; inodorous; taste bitter and 
feebly acrid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Leptandrin t a bitter, 
crystalline glucoside. (2) A saccharine principle having the properties of 
Mannit. (3) Possibly a Volatile Alkaloid. 

Dose, X to x dr - J x - to 4* S m ' 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Leptandrae. — Extract of Leptandra. By macer- 
ation and percolation with Alcohol and water, and evaporation. 

Extract of Leptandra is contained in Pilulae Catharticae Vege- 
tables. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm. 

2. Extractum Leptandrae Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Lep- 
tandra. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, % to x A- dr. > *• to 4- cx - 



vegetable purgatives. 483 

Action and Uses of Leptandra. . 
Recent leptandra root acts as a violent cathartic, and some- 
time as an emetic. It is an excellent cholagogue, appearing 
to have a special influence upon the muciparous follicles of the 
intestine, and it acts very advantageously in cases of duodenal 
indigestion and chronic constipation. 

CHELIDONIUM. 

CHELIDONIUM.— ^j/^^yw.— Celandine. The entire plant, Chel- 
idonium majus Linne (nat. ord. Papaveracece). Habitat. — Europe; natural- 
ized in North America. 

Characters. — Root several-headed, branching, reddish-brown; stem 
about 50 cm. long, light-green, hairy ; leaves about 15 cm. long, thin, petio- 
late, the upper ones smaller and sessile, light green, on the lower side glau- 
cous, lyrate-pinnatifid, the pinnae ovate-oblong, obtuse, coarsely crenate or 
incised and the terminal one often three lobed ; flowers in small, long pedun- 
cled umbels with two sepals and four yellow petals ; capsule linear, two-valved 
and many seeded. The fresh plant contains a saffron-colored mi k-juice, and 
has an unpleasant odor and acrid taste. 

Composition. — (i) Chelerythrine, C 21 H 17 N0 4 . (2) Sanguinarine i 
C 29 H 15 N0 4 (see p. 422.) (3) Chelidonine, C 20 H 19 NO 5 . (4) Protopine, 
C 20 H 17 NO 5 , also contained in Opium and Sanguinaria. (5) Chelidoxanthin, 
Chelidonic and Chelidoninic Acids. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Celandine. 
Celandine has been found useful in jaundice, apparently pos- 
sessing a stimulating effect upon the hepatic secretions. It is a 
somewhat irregularly acting purgative, giving rise to watery mo- 
tives, but at the same time to griping pains It was the chief 
ingredient in the old Decoctum ad Ictericos of the Edinburgh 

Pharmacopoeia. 

IRIS. 

IRIS. — Synonym. — Blue Flag. The rhizome and roots of Iris versi- 
color Linne (nat. ord. Iridece). Habitat. — North America, in swampy localities. 

Characters. — Rhizome of horizontal growth, consisting of joints, 5 to 
lo cm. long, cylindrical in the lower half, flattish near the upper extremity, 
and terminated by a circular scar, annulated from the leaf-sheaths, grayish- 
brown ; roots long, simple, crowded near the broad end ; odor slight ; taste 
acrid and nauseous. 



484 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) An acrid resin. (2) Pos- 
sibly an alkaloid. (3) Fat. (4) A camphoraceous body. 
Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2 00 gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Iridis. — Extract of Iris. By maceration and per- 
colation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm. 

2. Extractum Iridis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Iris. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

IRIDINUM. 
IRIDIN. — (Not official.) — Synonym. — Irisin. The powdered extrac- 
tive obtained from the root of Iris versicolor. 

Characters. — A dark -brown, bitter, nauseous powder. 
Dose, 1 to 5 gr.; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Iris. 
[The extract and fluid extract of iris are infrequently used.] 
Iridin is a cholagogue, and as it rarely gripes, it may be given 
when it is required to use a cholagogue purgative daily for some 
time. It may be combined with euonymin, calomel, podophyllin 
and other cholagogue purgatives. 

EUONYMUS. 

EUONYMUS.— Synonyms.— Wahoo. Spindle Tree. [The bark of the 
root of Euonymus atropurpuretis Jacquin (nat. ord. Celastrinece). Habitat. — 
United States, southward to Florida, and westward to Wisconsin, in shady woods. 

Characters. — In quilled or curved pieces, from 2 to 8 mm. thick, 
outer surface, ash-gray, with blackish patches, detached in thin and small 
scales; inner surface whitish or slightly tawny, smooth; fracture smooth, 
whitish, the inner layers of a laminated appearance ; nearly inodorous ; taste 
sweetish, somewhat bitter and acrid]. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Euonymin, an amorphous 
resin, very [bitter. (2) Atropurpurin, a crystalline glucoside. (3) Citric, 
Tartaric and Malic Acids. 

Dose, i to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm.] 

Preparation. 

Extractum Euonymi. — Extract of Euonymus. [Synonym. — 
Euonymin. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water 
distillation of the Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr ; .o5 to .30 gm.] 



volatile oils. 485 

Action and Therapeutics of Euonymus. 

In small doses euonymin stimulates the appetite and flow of 
gastric juice ; in larger, it is irritant to the intestine and is 
cathartic. It increases the amount of bile excreted into the 
intestine. It has slight diuretic and expectorant effects; but it 
is only used as a purgative for those cases of constipation in 
which the liver is disordered. 



GROUP VI. 
Volatile Oils. 



These, when applied externally, stimulate the skin, and thus cause red- 
ness, sometimes even vesication, tingling, and subsequent numbness. Taken 
internally, they stimulate the gastro-intestinal tract, increasing its vascularity, 
the flow of saliva, of gastric juice, and of succus entericus ; and they excite its 
unstriped muscular fibres. Thus in moderate doses they are stomachics and 
carminatives ; in large doses they are gastro-intestinal irritants. Their irri- 
tation of the stomach reflexly stimulates the heart and the central nervous sys- 
tem. They are absorbed and excreted by the skin, which they may thus 
irritate, and by the bronchial mucous membrane, while they consequently 
stimulate its vascularity, increasing the amount of secretion from it, the expul- 
sive power of its unstriped muscles, and i eflexly this irritation leads to cough- 
ing ; consequently they are expectorants, [although they may later limit the 
amount of secretion formed]. They are also largely excreted by the kidneys, 
which are stimulated even to inflammation, and hence these drugs are often 
diuretic; and by the genito-urinary mucous membrane, which is also 
stimulated, often so energetically that it may become inflamed. [Some are 
antiseptic.] Some volatile oils act strongly in all these ways; others act much 
more powerfully in some than in others. [Volatile and fixed oils are usually 
mutually soluble in all proportions. Volatile oils are generally slightly soluble 
in water.] 

They will be classified according to the tissue on which they chiefly act, 
or for the action for which they are mostly used. 

Class I. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them), acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the skin. 

Turpentine, Oil of Turpentine, Terebene, [Terpin Hydrate, Oil of 
Erigeron,] Pix Liquida, Oil of Cade, Burgundy Pitch, Resin, Frank- 
incense, Canada [Turpentine,] Mustard, Oil of Cajuput, Eucalyptus, 
Oil of Rosemary, Arnica, Mezereum, Elemi. 



486 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Class II. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the gastro-intestinal tract. 

Pyrethrum, Cloves, Pimenta, Pepper, Nutmeg, [Mace,] Cinnamon, 
Horseradish, Capsicum, Ginger, Cardamom, Sumbul, Oil of Lavender, 
[Oil of Lavender Flowers, Oil of Bergamot,] Peppermint, Spearmint, 
Anise, [Illicium,] Coriander, Fennel, Caraway, Dill, Sambucus, [Oil 
of Pennyroyal, Absinthium], Chamomile, [Matricaria,] Larch. 

Class III. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon the stomach, so as to reflexly stimulate the heart and central nervous 
systems, or chiefly used for this purpose. 

Valerian, [Cypripedium.] Asafcetida, Galbanum, Ammoniacum, 
Myrrh. 

Class IV. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the bronchial mucus mem- 
brane. 

Balsam of Peru, Balsam of Tolu, Storax, Fir Wood Oil, Grindelia. 

Class V. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the kidneys and genito-uiinary 
tract. 

Oil of Juniper, Buchu, Copaiba, [Oil of Thyme], Cubeb, Oil of 
Santal, Matico, [Damiana]. 

Class VI. — Volatile oils (or substances containing them) acting chiefly 
upon, or used chiefly for their stimulation of the female genital organs. 
Savine, [Tansy, Oil of] Rue. 

Class I.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE SKIN. 

TEREBINTHINA. 

[TURPENTINE. — A concrete oleoresin obtained from Pinus palustris 
Miller, and from other species of Pinus (nat. ord. Conifenz). Habitat. — 
United States ; in the Atlantic and Gulf States from Virginia to Texas. 

Characters. — In yellowish, opaque, tough masses, brittle in the cold, 
crumbly- crystalline in the interior, of a terebinthinate odor and taste.] 

OLEUM TEREBINTHINA. 

OIL OF TURPENTINE.— [A volatile oil distilled from Turpentine. 

Characters. — A thin, colorless liquid, having a characteristic odor and 
taste, both of which become stronger and less pleasant by age and exposure to 
the air. Sp. gr. 0.855 to 0.870. Dissolves Resins (the solution forms varnish), 
Wax, Sulphur, Phosphorus and Iodine. Solubility. — Tn 3 times its volume of 
Alcohol, the solution being neutral or slightly acid to litmus paper : also solu- 



VOLATILE OILS. 487 

ble in an equal volume of Glacial Acetic Acid.] By the action of oxidizing 
agents it is converted into a Camphor. Old Oil of Turpentine is an oxidizing 
agent; it readily absorbs Oxygen, and becomes converted into an Oleoresin. 
French Oil of Turpentine is laevo-rotatory, some of it comes from Pinus mari- 
tima ; English Oil of Turpentine, which mostly comes from America, and 
Russian Oil of Turpentine are dextro-rotatory. 

Composition. — Oil of Turpentine is a mixture of several isomeric hydro- 
carbons (terpenes), all having the formula C 10 H 16 . They vary in their boiling 
points and the direction in which they rotate the plane of polarization. Tur- 
pentine contains [from 20 to 30 per cent.] of the Oil of Turpentine, which, 
being a typical terpene, therefore yields a camphor on oxidation. Many 
isomerides of it, having the formula C 10 H 16 , are official, viz., Oils of Lavender, 
[Cubeb, Juniper,] Caraway, Cloves, etc. The corresponding Camphor of 
C 10 H ]6 is C 10 H 16 O, which is pharmacopceial [see Camphor). Sanitas {see p. 
489) is another product of oxidation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [.30 to 2.00 c.c, or % to 4 fl. dr.; 2. to 15. c.c] 
(anthelmintic). 

Two parts of mucilage, with thorough trituration, emulsify one part of Oil 
of Turpentine with sixteen parts of water. 

Preparations. 

[1. Oleum Terebinthinss Rectificatum. — Rectified Oil of Tur- 
pentine. 

Source. — Oil of Turpentine, I ; Lime Water, 6 volumes. By 
shaking and distillation. 

Characters. — A thin, colorless liquid, having the general proper- 
ties mentioned under Oil of Turpentine. Sp. gr. 0.855 to 0.865. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m.; .30 to 2.00 c.c; or ]/ z to 4 fl. dr.; 2. to 15. 
c.c. (anthelmintic). 

2. Linimentum Terebinthinae. — Turpentine Liniment. Resin 
Cerate, 650; Oil of Turpentine, 350. By melting and mixing,] 

Action of Turpentine. 

External. — Oil of turpentine has, to a marked degree, the 
action of other volatile oils. Thus applied to the skin, especially 
if rubbed in, it causes the vessels to dilate, there is a sense of 
warmth, the part becomes red, and subsequently common sensa- 
tion is blunted. The oil is therefore rubefacient, irritant, 
and counter-irritant. If enough is applied, it is a vesicant. 
Like the other volatile oils it is antiseptic and disinfectant. 
It is absorbed by the unbroken skin. 



488 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Internal. — Alimentary canal. — Oil of turpentine has the 
same stimulant effect when locally applied to the mouth and 
pharynx as it has on the skin, and in the stomach it powerfully 
dilates the vessels, increases peristalsis and the gastric secretion, 
and reflexly stimulates the heart, but on account of its 
nauseous taste it is not used for these properties, which it has in 
common with other volatile oils. Its effects on the intestine are 
the same as those on the stomach, the most marked being its 
energetic stimulation of the muscular coat, hence it is a strong 
carminative, expelling gas from the bowels. If a large amount 
is given, the excitation of the muscular coat leads to purging, 
the motions often containing much blood, haemorrhage resulting 
from the great vascular dilatation. Oil of turpentine is anthel- 
mintic, killing the tapeworm when administered in doses of 
[^] to 4 fl. dr. [2. to 15. c.c.]; but this treatment may cause 
severe symptoms. When given as an enema it kills the thread- 
worm. 

Circulation. — Oil of turpentine is readily absorbed. We do 
not know in what form it circulates. Statements concerning its 
action on the heart and vessels are very discordant, probably be- 
cause different experimenters have used different varieties of oil 
of turpentine ; but most specimens appear first to stimulate 
the heart, in some degree at least, directly, for oil of turpen- 
tine locally applied will excite the excised heart, increasing the 
force and frequency of the cardiac beat. It contracts the ves- 
sels, and therefore it is a haemostatic. The blood-pressure 
rises. After a large dose of any variety this stimulation is fol- 
lowed by depression, the heart beats feebly, the vessels dilate, 
and the blood-pressure falls. 

Respiration. — When inhaled, oil of turpentine acts on the 
bronchial mucous membrane as it does on the skin, irritating it, 
dilating the vessels, increasing and disinfecting the secretion, 
stimulating the muscles of the bronchia, and reflexly exciting 
cough. If given internally, [since] some of it is excreted by the 
bronchial mucous membrane, similar effects are produced. At 
the same time the activity of the respiratory movements is in- 
creased, so that the drug is a powerful expectorant. 



VOLATILE OILS. 489 

Nervous system. — Oil of turpentine in large doses is a severe 
depressant to the nervous system, producing languor, dullness, 
sleepiness, and unsteady gait. Toxic doses cause coma and 
paralyze the sensory nerves ; consequently reflex action is abol- 
ished. 

Kidneys. — It acts more powerfully on these than almost any 
other volatile oil. Even moderate doses may lead to pain in the 
loins, scanty, high-colored urine, albuminuria, and haematuria. 
The urinary passages are also irritated, consequently, owing 
to muscular spasm, there is difficulty in passing water, micturition 
is painful, and a sensation of heat in the perinaeum is present 
(these symptoms constitute strangury). If a large dose has been 
given, the urine may be completely suppressed. Turpentine 
causes the urine to smell of violets. 

Skin. — Oil of turpentine is excreted by the skin, and may 
cause an erythematous rash. 

Some is probably excreted by the bile and intestinal mucous 
membrane. 

It is said to be a mild antipyretic. [Old] oil of turpentine 
[containing oxygen (see p. 225)] is an antidote to phosphorus, 
and it is stated that [that] and [the] French oil are preferable. 

Therapeutics of Turpentine. 

External.— Oil of turpentine is very largely employed as an 
irritant or counter-irritant in various forms of chronic inflamma- 
tion, such as osteo-arthritis, bronchitis, or pleurisy. The liniment 
forms a useful application. It may also be rubbed in over painful 
areas, as in neuralgia, myalgia, rheumatic pains, lumbago, etc. 
Sometimes it is used as a parasiticide for ringworm. Sanitas [not 
official] is an aqueous solution of common turpentine, which has 
been allowed to oxidize in the air. Its active antiseptic principle 
is hydrogen [di]oxide, and it contains a little thymol. It is a 
very pleasant disinfectant, but is not so strong as carbolic acid. 
[Oil of turpentine is an excellent antiseptic for old suppurating 
wounds. Care must be taken that it does not blister the skin.] 

Internal. — Stomach and intestines. — [For internal use the 
rectified oil only should be prescribed. It is not prescribed for 



490 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

its carminative and stomachic effects, though given either by the 
mouth or as an enema it is often very efficacious in removing the 
intestinal distension due to gas. If it is used as an anthelmintic, 
[^] to 4fl dr. [2. to 15. c c] emulsified in mucilage and followed 
by a dose of castor oil should be given. Sometimes it promptly 
relieves intestinal haemorrhage, such as that due to typhoid fever. 
[It is also used in this disease as an antiseptic] Whenever it is 
prescribed as a haemostatic, considerable doses, 30 to 60 minims 
[2. to 4. c.c] should be administered every hour for a few hours. 

Circulation — It is not employed to influence this, except as a 
haemostatic. It has the reputation of being fairly efficacious in 
arresting haemorrhage. It may be given in haemoptysis, gastric 
ulcer, and other conditions attended with bleeding. 

Respiration. —It is not much used as an inhalation, for the 
Vapor Olei Pini Sylvestris (q. #.,) is much pleasanter, but it 
might be employed to disinfect foul bronchial secretions, and 
to stimulate the mucous membrane in chronic bronchitis. 

It should be remembered that oil of turpentine must be given 
internally with great care because of its liability to cause inflam- 
mation of the kidneys; indeed, this fact and its [unpleasant] 
taste account for its not being so often administered as would 
otherwise be the case. It should never be given to the subjects 

of Bright's disease. 

[TEREBENUM. 

TEREBENE.— C 10 H 16 =I35.7. A liquid consisting chiefly of Pinene^ 
and containing not more than very small proportions of Terpinene and Dipen- 
tene. 

Source — From acting upon Oil of Turpentine with Sulphuric Acid, and 
distilling. 

Characters. — A colorless or slightly yellowish, thin liquid, having a 
rather agreeable thyme-like odor, and an aromatic, somewhat terebinthinate 
taste. Sp. gr., about 0.862. Solubility. — Only slightly soluble in Water, but 
soluble in an equal volume of Alcohol, glacial Acetic Acid, or Carbon Disul- 
phide. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Terebene. 
Terebene is an excellent stimulant, disinfectant expectorant 
for chronic bronchitis. It may be used as an inhalation thus : — 



VOLATILE OILS. 491 

Pure terebene, 2 ; magnesium carbonate, 1 ; distilled water, 24. 
Use this in water [1 to 8] at 140 F. [6o° C] in an apparatus so 
arranged that air can be drawn through it and inhaled. Or it 
may be given with other expectorants in a mixture ; many patients 
find five drops several times a day on sugar quite sufficient to cure 
a slight winter cough [although it is said to form an insoluble 
compound with sugar. 

TERPINI HYDRAS. 

TERPIN HYDRATE. ~C 10 H 18 (OH) 2 +H 2 O=i8 9 .58. The Hy- 
drate of the Diatomic Alcohol Terpin. 

Source. — Rectified Oil of Turpentine, Alcohol and Nitric Acid are 
allowed to stand together for three or four days in shallow porcelain dishes. 
The crystals which have formed are collected, drained thoroughly, dried by 
absorbent paper, and recrystallized in a cold solution of Alcohol. 

Characters. — Colorless, lustrous, rhombic prisms, nearly odorless, and 
having a slightly aromatic and somewhat bitter taste. Permanent in the air. 
Solubility. — Soluble in about 250 parts of water, and in 10 parts of Alcohol; 
also soluble in about 100 parts of Ether, 2co parts of Chloroform. 

Dose, 2 to 30 gr. ; .12 to 2.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Terpin Hydrate. 

Terpin hydrate is an antiseptic, and it is believed that it will 
arrest the development of tubercle bacilli. It increases the secre- 
tion of the mucous membrane, and the functional activity of the 
kidneys. It has been given as an antiseptic in acute and chronic 
bronchitis, when the secretion is unusually free, in whooping- 
cough, and rarely in the treatment of chronic nephritis, chronic 
cystitis and gonorrhoea. 

OLEUM ERIGERONTIS. 

OIL OF ERIGERON. — Synonym. — Oil of Fleabane. A volatile oil 
distilled from the fresh, flowering herb of Erigeron canadense Linne (nat. ord- 
Compositce). Habitat — North America, in fields and waste places; natural- 
ized in other countries. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, limpid liquid, becoming darker and thicker 
by age and exposure to the air, having a peculiar aromatic, persistent odor ? 
and an aromatic, slightly pungent taste. Sp. gr., about 0.850, increasing with 
age. Solubility. — Tn an equal volume of Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c. 



492 organic materia medica. 

Action and Uses of the Oil of Erigeron. 
Oil of erigeron is less irritant and also less efficient than oil of 
turpentine. Externally it is often applied to prevent insects from 
injuring the skin. It has been used in diarrhoea, dysentery and 
haemorrhages, in much the same way.] 

PIX LIQUIDA. 

TAR. — [An empyreumatic oleoresin obtained by the destructive distilla- 
tion of the wood of Pinus palustris, Miller, and of other species of Pinus (nat. 
ord. Conifercz). Habitat. — United States. 

Characters. — Thick, viscid, semi-fluid, blackish-brown, heavier than 
water, transparent in thin layers, becoming granular and opaque with age ; 
odor empyreumatic, terebinthinate ; taste sharp, empyreumatic. Solubility. — 
Slightly, in water; soluble in Alcohol, fixed or volatile oils, and solution of 
Potassium or Sodium Hydrate.] On distillation it gives off an empyreumatic 
oil (oil of tar), which is official {see below), and pyroligneous acid. What 
remains behind is pitch. This is black, solid, melting in boiling water. 

Composition. — Tar is a very complex substance. The chief constituents 
are— (i) Oil of Tar {see below). (2) Cresols (Creosote). (3) Guaiacol. (4) 
Phenol. (5) Pyrocatechin, or Catechol, C 6 H 6 2 . (6) Acetic Acid. (7) Ace- 
tone. (8) Xylol. (9) Toluol. (10) Methylic Alcohol, (n) Resins. 

Dose, }( to 1 dr.; [1. to 4. gm.,] in the form of pills. 

Preparations. 

1. [Syrupus Picis Liquid*. — Syrup of Tar. Tar, 75; Water, 
150; Boiling Distilled Water, 400; Sugar, 800; Glycerin, 100; Dis- 
tilled Water to 1000. By solution, decantation and filtration. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

2. Unguentum Picis Liquidae. — [Tar Ointment. Tar, 500; 
Yellow wax, 125; Lard, 375.] 

[OLEUM PICIS LIQUIDiE.— Oil of Tar. A volatile oil distilled 
from Tar. 

Characters. — An almost colorless liquid when freshly distilled, but 
soon acquiring a dark, reddish-brown color, and having a strong, tarry odor 
and taste. Sp. gr., about 0.970. Solubility. — Readily in Alcohol.] 

Action of Tar. 

External. — Tar has precisely the same action as oil of tur- 
pentine, but it is not so powerful, therefore the vascular dilatation 
rarely proceeds to the stage of vesication ; but pustules may re- 
sult if the tar is rubbed in. 



VOLATILE OILS. 493 

Internal. — It is very liable to upset digestion ; in large doses 
it causes epigastric pain, vomiting, severe headache, dark urine, 
and other symptoms of carbolic acid poisoning (see p. 311). 
Some of its constituents are excreted by mucous membranes, 
especially the bronchial, on which it acts as a disinfectant, stimu- 
lating expectorant. 

Therapeutics of Tar. 

External. — Tar ointment is often applied as a stimulant to 
chronic skin diseases, such as psoriasis and chronic eczema. Be- 
cause of its mildly anaesthetic action, it is sometimes useful in 
pruritus. 

Wood tar is the only official form of tar, but coal tar is often 
used in medicine. The prepared form of it is made by simply 
heating and stirring coal tar at 120 F. [48 C] for an hour. 
Liquor Picis Carbonis [not official] is a favorite preparation ; 
it may be made thus : Dissolve resin soap, 1, (see p. 495) in 
alcohol, 8; add prepared coal tar, 4; digest at 125 F. [51 C] 
for two days, allow it to cool, then decant and filter. An oint- 
ment of 3 parts of lard with 1 of this solution may be made. 
Liquor Carbonis Detergens [not official] is an alcoholic solu- 
tion of ordinary coal tar. It is used externally in skin diseases, 
diluted in 20 parts of water. 

Internal. — Coal tar is rarely prescribed for internal use. 
Wood tar is only given as an expectorant, and it is very valuable 
for chronic bronchitis. It may be prescribed as a pill or as the 
syrup, or as Vinum Picis [not official] (a saturated solution of 
wood tar in sherry, dose 1 to 4 fl. dr. [4. to 15. c. c.]), or as the 
French preparation, Eau de Goudron. Tar water is made by 
stirring wood tar with water [1 to 4] for fifteen minutes and 
decanting. The dose is a pint [480. c. c] daily, It may be 
used externally as a wash. The syrup with syrup of wild cherry 
(q. v.) and apomorphine hydrochlorate is gr. ; .003 gm., forms 
an excellent cough mixture. 

OLEUM CADINUM. 

OIL OF CADE. — [Synonym. — Oleum Juniperi Empyreumaticum. A 
product of the dry distillation of the wood of jfuniperus Oxycedrus Linne (nat. 



494 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

©rd. Coniferce). Habitat. — Mediterranean districts of Northern Africa, Spain, 
Portugal and France ; in waste places and on stony hill-sides. 

Characters. — A brownish or dark brown, clear, thick liquid, having a 
tarry odor, and an empyreumatic, burning, somewhat bitter taste. Sp. gr., 
about 0.990. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water; only partially soluble in 
Alcohol, but is completely soluble in Ether, Chloroform, or Carbon Disulphide.] 

Composition. — Probably much the same as that of Tar. 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Cade. 

Oil of cade has the same action on the skin as tar, but it is 

preferable, as the odor is pleasanter. The diseases treated by the 

application of it are psoriasis, chronic eczema, and pruritus. 

A usual formula is oil of cade, 1 ; soft soap, 4 ; alcohol, 4 ; or 

an ointment is used, made by melting with it an equal part of 

yellow wax. 

PIX BURGUNDICA. 

BURGUNDY PITCH.— [The prepared, resinous exudation of Abies 
excelsa Poiret (nat. ord. Coniferce). Habitat. — Europe, in the Southern parts, 
in mountainous districts. 

Characters. — Hard, yet gradually taking the form of the vessels in 
which it is kept ; brittle, with a shining, conchoidal fracture, opaque or trans- 
lucent, reddish-brown or yellowish-brown, odor agreeably terebinthinate; 
taste aromatic, sweetish, not bitter. Solubility. — Almost entirely, in Glacial 
Acetic Acid, and partly soluble in cold Alcohol.] 

Composition. — [The chief constituents are — (1) Resin; (2) A volatile 
oil, C 10 H 16 , a mixture of several isomeric terpenes in variable proportion.] 

Impurities. — Palm Oil and Resin, which are detected by not being solu- 
ble in Glacial Acetic Acid. 

Burgundy Pitch is contained in Emplastrum Ferri [and Emplastrum Opii.] 

Preparations. 

1. Emplastrum Picis [Burgundicae. — Burgundy Pitch Plaster. 
Burgundy Pitch, 800; Yellow Wax, 150; Olive Oil, 50. 

2. Emplastrum Picis Cantharidatum. — Cantharidal Pitch Plas- 
ter. Synonym. — Warming Plaster. Cerate of Cantharides, 80; Bur- 
gundy Pitch to 1000. Heat the cerate and strain ; melt the pitch with 
the strained liquid.] 

Action and Uses of Burgundy Pitch. 
Bungundy pitch is used as a basis for plasters. It is mildly 
stimulant to the skin. 



VOLATILE OILS. 495 



RESINA. 

RESIN. — [Synonyms. — Colophony. Rosin. The residue left after dis- 
tilling off the Volatile Oil from Turpentine. 

Characters. — A transparent, amber-colored substance, hard, brittle 
pulverizable ; fracture glossy and shallow-conchoidal ; odor and taste faintly 
terebinthinate. Sp. gr. 1.070 to 1.080. Solubility. — In Alcohol, Ether, and 
fixed or volatile oils ; also in solution of Potassium or Sodium Hydrate. 

Composition. — Resin may be considered as containing Abietic Acid 
Anhydride, C 44 H 62 47 , 80 to 90 per cent.] 

Resin is contained in Ceratum Cantharidis. 

Preparations. 

[1. Ceratum Resinse. — Resin Cerate. Synonym. — Basilicon 
Ointment. Resin, 350; Yellow Wax, 150; Lard, 500. 
Resin Cerate is contained in Linimentum Terebinthinae.j 

2. Empiastrum Resinae. — Resin Plaster. [Synonym. — Adhesive 
Plaster. Resin, 140; Lead Plaster, 800; Yellow Wax, 60. 
Resin Plaster is contained in Empiastrum Arnicae, Empiastrum Bella- 
donnas, and Empiastrum Capsici.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Resin. 

Resin is antiseptic and slightly stimulant, and is, therefore, an 
excellent application for indolent ulcers, sores and wounds. 
Resin soap is formed by boiling together in an evaporating dish 
for two hours: resin, 6; caustic soda, i ; and water, 25; sepa- 
rating the soap by a strainer, and drying on a water-bath. It 
may be used as an emulsifying agent, but the taste is very dis- 
agreeable. 

[THUS AMERICANUM. 

FRANKINCENSE. (B. P., not official.)- The concrete Turpentine 
scraped off the trunks of Pinus tceda, Frankincense Pine, and Pinus australis, 
the Swamp Pine (nat. ord. Coniferce). Habitat. — Southern United States. 

Characters. — When fresh it is a soft, yellow, opaque, tough, solid, 
becoming darker, dry and brittle by keeping. Odor and taste as of other 
Turpentines. 

Composition. — It is an Oleoresin like other Turpentines. 

Uses of Frankincense.] 
Frankincense is used for the same purposes as resin. 



496 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[TEREBINTHINA CANADENSIS. 

CANADA TURPENTINE.— Synonyms.— Canada Balsam. Balsam 
of Fir. A liquid oleoresin obtained from Abies balsamea (Linnd) Miller 
(nat. ord. Coniferce). Habitat. — Canada and Northern United States, west to 
Minnesota, and south along the mountains to Virginia. 

Characters. — A yellowish or faintly greenish, transparent, viscid liquid, 
of an agreeable, terebinthinate odor, and a bitterish, slightly acrid taste. When 
exposed to the air, it gradually dries, forming a transparent mass. Solubility. — 
Completely in Ether, Chloroform or Benzol. 

Composition. — (i) A volatile oil, 20 to 30 percent. (2) Resin. (3) 
A bitter principle soluble in water.] 

Canada Turpentine is contained in Collodium Flexile. 

Action and Therapeutics of Canada Turpentine. 

Canada turpentine is rarely used except for its physical pro- 
perty of drying to form an adhesive varnish. It has the same 
action as oil of turpentine. 

SINAPIS. 

1. SINAPIS ALBA.— White Mustard. [The seed of Brassica alba . 
(Linne) Hooker filius et Thompson (nat. ord. Crucifercz). Habitat. — Asia 
and Southern Europe; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 2 mm. in diameter, almost globular, with a circu- 
lar hilum ; testa yellowish, finely pitted, hard ; embryo oily, with a curved 
radicle, and two cotyledons, one folded over the other; free from starch; 
inodorous; taste pungent and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A bland fixed oil, [20 to 
25 per cent.] (2) Sinalbin, [C 30 H 44 N 2 S 2 O 16 ,] and Myrosin ; the latter is a 
ferment, and in contact with water converts Sinalbin, which is a Glucoside, 
into a fixed pungent body, very acrid, but really volatile, called Acrinyl Sul- 
phocyanide, [C 7 H 7 ONCS], Glucose, and Sinapine Sulphate, [C 16 H 23 N0 5 
H 2 S0 4 ]. 

2. SINAPIS NIGRA.— Black Mustard. [The seed of Brassica nigra 
(Linne) Koch (nat. ord. Cruciferce). Habitat. — Asia and Southern Europe; 
cultivated. 

Characters. — About I mm. in diameter, almost globular, with a circu- 
lar hilum; testa blackish-brown or grayish-brown, finely pitted, hard, embryo 
oily, with a curved radicle, and two cotyledons, one folded over the other; free 
from starch ; inodorous when dry, but when triturated with water, of a pun- 
gent, penetrating, irritating odor ; taste pungent and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The same fixed oil as the 
white seeds, about 25 per cent. ( 2) Sinigrin (which is Potassium Myronate, 



VOLATILE OILS. 497 

a Potassium Salt of Myronic Acid, which is a glucoside) and Myrosin> a fer- 
ment which on contact with water converts Sinigrin into the official volatile 
Oil of Mustard, {see below) (C 3 H 5 CNS, which is Ally! Sulphocyanide') , Glucose, 
and Potassium Sulphate. The volatile oil is very pungent and highly volatile, 
and its development on the addition of water explains the pungency of ordi- 
nary mustard. 

Resembling black mustard seeds. — Colchicum seeds, which are larger, 
lighter and not quite globular. 

Preparation. 

[Charta Sinapis. — Mustard Paper. Black Mustard, loo. Per- 
colate the Mustard with a sufficient quantity of Benzin. Remove the 
powder and dry; add this to the solution; India rubber, io; Benzin, 
ioo; and Carbon Disulphide, ioo; and with a brush apply to one side 
of a piece of rather stiff, well-sized paper, and dry.] 

3. OLEUM SINAPIS [VOLATILE.— Volatile Oil of Mustard. 
Allyl Sulphocyanide, C 3 H 5 CNS. A volatile oil obtained from Black Mustard 
by maceration with Water and subsequent distillation. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellow, limpid, and strongly refractive 
liquid, having a very pungent and acrid odor and taste. Sp. gr., 1. 018 to 
I.029. Solubility. — Freely in Alcohol, Ether or Carbon Disulphide.] 

Preparation. 
Linimentum Sinapis Compositum. — [Compound Liniment of 
Mustard. Volatile Oil of Mustard, 30; Fluid Extract of Mezereum, 
200; Camphor, 60; Castor Oil, 150; Alcohol, to 1000; by solution.]. 

Action of Mustard. 

External. — Mustard is a typical powerful local irritant. 
Thus it first produces dilatation of the vessels, which causes red- 
ness of the skin (rubefacient effect) and a sensation of warmth. 
Because of the irritant action of mustard on the sensory nerves, 
a severe burning pain is soon felt. The irritation of the nerves 
is followed by their paralysis, consequently there is a local loss 
of sensibility, and a diminution both of the pain produced by 
the mustard and of any that may have been present before its 
application. The irritation of the vessels leads to the transuda- 
tion of plasma through them ; this, collecting under the epidermis, 
raises it, and thus vesicles, blebs, or blisters, are formed (vesi- 
cant effect.) Mustard is also a counter-irritant (see p. 58) ; 
that is to say, the stimulation of the cutaneous nerves reflexly 
32 



4y» ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

leads to a dilatation of the vessels of the viscera under the seat 
of application. 

This excitation of the sensory nerves is sufficiently powerful 
to reflexly stimulate the heart and respiration, and 
sometimes to restore consciousness after fainting. 

Internal. — G astro-intestinal tract. — Mustard also acts here 
as an irritant. Taken in the usual small quantities as a condi- 
ment, it causes a sense of warmth in the stomach, it moderately 
stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and the peristaltic 
movements, and therefore sharpens the appetite. A dose of one 
to four teaspoon fuls [4. to 15. gm.] stirred up in a tumbler of 
[lukewarm] water is sufficiently irritating to be a direct stomachic 
emetic, causing prompt vomiting without the depression which 
usually attends emetics, because the mustard reflexly stimulates the 
heart and respiration. 

Therapeutics of Mustard. 

External. — A mustard poultice (equal parts of mustard and 
ground flaxseed) is a very common and efficacious application as 
an irritant and counter-irritant in rheumatism, pleurisy, pneu- 
monia, bronchitis, pericarditis, and many inflammatory diseases. 
In the manner already explained, it will, when applied to the 
skin, soothe pain in gastralgia, colic, painful diseases of the chest, 
neuralgia, lumbago, etc. The paper or any of the mustard leaves 
that are sold in' the shops, moistened in water, form an excellent 
application; often the local application of mustard over the 
stomach relieves vomiting. A large mustard poultice applied to 
the legs was formerly used as a ieflex stimulant in cases of syn- 
cope, asphyxia, and coma. 

Common colds and febrile conditions, especially in children, 
are often treated by placing the feet and legs or the whole body 
in mustard and water as hot as can be borne [1 to 128], the 
object being by the cutaneous dilatation to withdraw blood from 
the inflamed part. A mustard sitz-bath may be taken at the time 
of the expected period, to induce menstruation. 

Internal — Mustard is used as a condiment, and also as an 
emetic. It is especially valuable for poisoning by narcotics, be- 
cause of its reflex stimulant effects. 



VOLATILE OILS. 499 

OLEUM CAJUPUTI. 

[OIL OF CAJUPUT.— A volatile oil distilled from the leaves of 
Melaletcca Leucadendron Linne (nat. ord. Myrtacece). Habitat. — East Indian 
Islands. 

Characters. — A light, thin, bluish-green, or after rectification, colorless 
liquid, having a peculiar, agreeable, distinctly camphoraceous odor, and a 
aromatic, bitterish taste. Sp. gr., 0.922 to 0.929. Solubility. — Readily in 
Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cajuputol, C 10 H 18 O; said 
to be identical with Cineol. (2) Cajuputene hydrate, C 10 H 18 O.] 

Impurities. — Copper, and other oils. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Action of Oil of Cajuput. 
The action of oil of cajuput is exactly the same as that of the 
oil'of cloves {q. v.). 

Therapeutics of Oil of Cajuput. 

External. — Oil of cajuput is used as a stimulant, irritant, 
and counter-irritant — usually diluted with sweet oil— for all sorts 
of purposes when any of these effects are needed. Thus it is 
rubbed in for chilblains, myalgia, rheumatic pains, chronic in- 
flammatory conditions of the joints or periosteum. It has also 
been employed as a parasiticide for Tinea tonsurans. The only 
objection to its use is its strong smell. 

Internal. — It is occasionally given in dyspepsia, usually 
combined with other remedies, for the sake of its carminative, 
stomachic, and anti -spasmodic effects; it may be taken on sugar. 

EUCALYPTUS. 

[EUCALYPTUS.— The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere 
(nat. ord. Myrtacece), collected from the older parts of the tree. Habitat. — 
Australia ; cultivated in subtropical countries. 

Characters. — Petiolate, lanceolately scythe-shaped, from 15 to 30 cm. 
long, rounded below, tapering above, entire, leathery, grayish-green, glandu- 
lar, feather-veined between the midrib, and marginal veins; odor strongly 
camphoraceous; taste pungently aromatic and somewhat cooling, bitter and 
astringent. 

Composition. — (i) A volatile oil {see p. 500) ; (2) Cerylic Alcohol ; (3) 
A crystallizable Fatty Acid; (4) A cry stall izable Resin. 

Dose, )4 to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm. 



500 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Eucalypti Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Eucalyptus. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

OLEUM EUCALYPTI.— [Oil of Eucalyptus. A volatile oil dis- 
tilled from the fresh leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere, Eucalyptus 
oleosa F. v. Mueller, and some other species of Eucalyptus (nat. ord. 
Myrtacecs). 

CHARACTERS. — A colorless or faintly yellowish liquid, having a charac- 
teristic, aromatic, somewhat comphoraceous odor, and a pungent, spicy, and 
cooling taste. Sp. gr. 0.915 to 0.925. Solubility. — In all proportions, in 
Alcohol, Carbon Disulphide, or glacial Acetic Acid. The oils from different 
species of Eucalyptus vary very much. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Eucalyptol C 10 H 18 O or 
Cineol (about 70 per cent.) ; (2) Cymene, C 10 H 14 ; (3) Ettcalyptene, C 10 H 16 .] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, mineral acids, and metallic salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m.; [.30 to 2.00 c.c] 

[EUCALYPTOL.— Eucalyptol. C 10 H 18 O=r 153.66. A neutral body 
obtained from the volatile oil of Eucalyptus globulus Labillardiere, and of 
some other species of Eucalyptus (nat. ord. Myrtacece). 

Source. — In the distillation of Eucalyptus leaves, crude Eucalyptol comes 
over between 338 and 352.4 F.; 170 and 178 C, and is purified by redis- 
tillation from Caustic Potash or Calcium Chloride. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid, having a characteristic, aromatic, and 
distinctly camphoraceous odor, and a pungent, spicy, and cooling taste. Sp. 
gr., 0.930. Solubility. — In all proportions, in Alcohol, Carbon Disulphide, 
and glacial Acetic Acid. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action of Eucalyptus. 
External. — Oil of eucalyptus is much less irritant when 
applied externally than other volatile oils, but if its vapor is con- 
fined it will produce vesication and pustulation. It is power- 
fully antiseptic and disinfectant. Old oil is more anti- 
septic than new, probably from the greater amount of ozone it 
contains. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — In medicinal doses oil 
of eucalyptus is stomachic, having the same action as oil of cloves. 



VOLATILE OILS. 501 

In large doses it produces severe gastro intestinal irritation, as 
shown by vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. 

Circulation. — It, like quinine, arrests the movements of the 
white blood-corpuscles ; and it likewise resembles this drug in its 
antipyretic and its antiperiodic actions, and also, it is said, in 
causing contraction of spleen ; but quinine is in all respects the 
more energetic. In medicinal doses the heart is stimulated by 
oil of eucalyptus, and the blood-pressure rises; probably these 
effects are reflex from the stomach. After large quantities the 
action of the heart is enfeebled, and temperature falls. 

Respiration. — Small doses slightly accelerate, poisonous doses 
slow respiration. 

Nervous system. — Large doses are powerfully depressant to the 
brain, to the medulla, and to the spinal cord, abolishing reflex 
action. Death occurs from paralysis of respiration. 

Mucous membranes, kidneys, and skin. — Like other volatile 
oils, eucalyptus is excreted by all these channels. It imparts its 
odor to and disinfects the breath and the urine. It stimulates the 
organs by which it is excreted, consequently it is a diaphoretic, a 
stimulating expectorant, a diuretic, and a stimulant to the genito- 
urinary tract. Large doses cause renal congestion. 

Therapeutics of Eucalyptus. 

External. — It is used as an antiseptic for wounds, sores, and 
ulcers. It is three times as powerful as carbolic acid, and is there- 
fore preferred by some surgeons. A eucalyptus gauze has been 
prepared as a dressing for wounds, which may be washed with a 
weak solution of the oil in alcohol. A ointment of oil of euca- 
lyptus, 8 ; iodoform, i ; hard paraffin and vaseline, of each 40, is 
applied to chancres. An emulsion of the oil is used as an urethral 
injection. It would probably be an efficient parasiticide. 

Internal. — A vapor or the spray of oil of eucalyptus has 
been recommended for diphtheria and fetid bronchitis, and it is 
sometimes given by the mouth to correct the fcetor of the expec- 
toration. Occasionally it is used for its stomachic and carminative 
effects, especially if the fseces are very foul smelling, and some 
employ it in cystitis and pyelitis. It has been prescribed in 



502 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

septicaemia. As an antiperiodic for ague and an antipyretic it is 
far inferior to quinine. [In most cases eucalyptol can be substi- 
tuted for the oil with advantage.] 

OLEUM ROSMARINI. 

OIL OF ROSEMARY.— [A volatile oil distilled from the leaves of 
Rosmarinus officinalis Linne (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — Basin of the 
Mediterranean ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellow, limpid liquid, having the 
characteristic pungent odor of Rosemary, and a warm, somewhat camphora- 
ceous taste. Sp. gr., 0.895 t0 -9 x 5- Solubility. — In an equal volume of 
Alcohol; also soluble in an equal volume of Glacial Ac -tic Acid]. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A terpene, [C 10 H 16 , 80 
per cent. (2) Cineol, C ]0 H 18 O. (3) Borneol, C 10 H )6 O]. 

Oil of Rosemary is contained in Linimentum Saponis and Tinctura Lav- 
andulae Composita. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Rosemary. 

Oil of rosemary has an action similar to that of other aromatic 
volatile oils. It is very commonly used to give a pleasant scent 
to lotions and other preparations which are used externally. 

ARNICA. 

[ARNICA FLORES.— Arnica Flowers. The flower heads of Arnica 
montaita Linne (nat. ord. Compositce). Synonym. — Leopardsbane. Habitat. 
— Europe and Northern Asia; in mountainous districts. 

Characters. — Heads about 3 cm. broad, depressed-roundish, consisting 
of scaly involucre in two rows, and a small, nearly flat, hairy receptacle, bear- 
ing about sixteen yellow, strap-sbaped, ten- nerved ray -florets, and numerous 
yellow, five-toothed, tubular disk-florets, having slender, spindle-shaped 
achenes, crowned by a hairy pappus. Odor feeble, aromatic ; taste bitter and 
acrid. 

Composition. — (1) Arnicin, an amorphous, yellow, acrid, bitter principle ; 
easily soluble in Alcohol and Ether. (2) Volatile Oil. (3) Caprylic and 
Capronic Acids. (4) Resin. (5) Tannic acid. 

Dose, 10 to 20 gr. ; .60 to 1.20 gm. 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Arnicae Florum. — Tincture of Arnica Flowers. Arnica 
Flowers, 200; by percolation with Diluted Alcohol to iooo. 
Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 



VOLATILE OILS. 503 

ARNICiE [RADIX. — Arnica Root. The rhizome and roots of Arnica 
montana Linne (nat. ord. Composites). 

Characters. — Rhizome about 5 cm. long, and 3 or 4 mm. thick ; exter- 
nally brown, rough from leaf-scars ; internally whitish, with a rather thick 
bark, containing a circle of resin-cells, surrounding the short, yellowish wood- 
wedges, and large spongy pith. The roots numerous, thin, fragile, grayish- 
brown, with a thick bark containing a circle of resin-cells. Odor somewhat 
aromatic; taste pungently aromatic and bitter.] Resembling Arnica. — Valerian 
and Serpentaria, each having a characteristic odor; Veratrum Viride, having 
thicker rootlets. 

Composition. — The same as of the flowers. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 
[1. Extractum Arnicas Radicis. — Extract of Arnica Root. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Extract of Arnica Root is used to make Emplastrum Arnicse. 
Dose, 5 to 10 gr. ; .30 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Arnicae Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Arnica Root. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, 
and evaporation. 

Dose,* 5 to 20 m. ; .30 to 1.20 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Arnicae Radicis. — Tincture of Arnica Root. Arnica 
Root, 100; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 
1000. 

Dose, 5 to 10 m. ; .30 to 60. c.c. 

4. Emplastrum Arnicae. — Arnica Plaster. Extract of Arnica 
Root, 330; resin plaster, 670.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Arnica. 

External. — The action of arnica is the same as that of vola- 
tile oils generally. Externally the tincture is used as an applica- 
tion to bruises, but it is very doubtful how far its good effects are 
owing to the [alcohol] and how far to any increase of cutaneous 
vascularity due to the volatile oil of the arnica. 

Internal. — It is rarely given internally, but in small doses it 
is a stomachic, a carminative, and a reflex stimulant, and in large 
doses causes vomiting and purging. It is excreted by the kidneys 
and mucous membranes, and it has been credited with obscure 
effects on the central nervous system. 



504 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

MEZEREUM. 

[MEZEREUM.— Synonym.— Mezereon. The bark of Daphne Meze- 
reum Linne, and other species of Daphne (nat. ord. Thymelceacece). Habi- 
tat. — Europe in mountainous regions, eastward to Siberia; spontaneous in 
Canada and New England. 

Characters. — In long thin bands, usually folded or rolled into disks ; 
outer surface yellowish or brownish yellow, with transverse scars, and minute, 
blackish dots, underneath of a light greenish color ; inner surface whitish, 
silky; bast in transverse layers, very tough; inodorous; taste very acrid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Mezerein, a soft, acrid 
resin. (2) An acrid, rubefacient, volatile oil. (3) Daphnin, C 15 H 16 9 -|- 
2H 2 0, a bitter glucoside in fine needles or rectangular plates. (4) Coccogin, 
C 20 H 22 O 8 , a bitter principle.] 

Mezereum is contained in Decoctum Sarsaparillse Cornpositum and Ex- 
tractum Sarsaparillse Cornpositum Fluidum. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Mezerei [Fluidum — Fluidum Extract of Mezereum. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Mezereuni is used in Linimentum Sin apis Corn- 
positum. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Mezereum. 

[External. — Mezereum has the same action as volatile oils 
generally. It is a powerful rubefacient and vesicant externally, 
and is used chiefly in the compound mustard liniment, where it 
excites the same effects and is employed for the same purposes as 
the oil of mustard. Almost its only use at present is to keep 
open an issue, a procedure which is very rarely employed. 

Internal. — It is a gastric stimulant, producing, in large doses, 

vomiting and diarrhoea.] 

ELEMI. 

MANILLA ELEMI. [B. P., not official.]— A concrete resinous 
exudation, probably from Canarium commune (nat. ord. Bursaracece). Habi- 
tat.— -Manilla. 

Characters. — A soft unctuous mass, becoming harder and yellowish by 
age. Strong fennel-like odor. [Resembling Elemi. — Asafoetida, Galbanum, 
and Ammoniacum, but Elemi is known by its odor. 

Composition.— The chief constituents are — (1) Resinous bodies, 80 per 
cent. (2) A volatile oil. 



VOLATILE OILS. 505 

Action and Therapeutics of Elemi. 
Elemi acts like volatile oils generally, but] is only used as a 
stimulating disinfectant ointment [which is official in B. P. as 
elemi, i ; ointment, 4.] 

Class II.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON THE 
GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT. 

PYRETHRUM. 

PYRETHRUM. — Synonym. — [Pellitory. The root of Anacydus Py- 
rethrum (Linne) De Candolle (nat. ord. Compositce). Habitat. — Highlands of 
Northern Africa. 

Characters. — From 5 to 10 em. long, and 1 to 2 cm. thick, somewhat 
fusiform, nearly simple, annulate above, wrinkled below, externally dark gray- 
ish-brown ; internally brownish- white ; fracture short ; bark rather thick, con- 
taining two circles of resin- cells, and surrounding the slender wood-bundles 
and medullary rays, the latter having about four circles of shining resin-cells ; 
inodorous, pungent and very acrid.] Resembling Pyrethnim. — Taraxacum, 
which is darker and has not a burning taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Two volatile oils. (2) An 
[acrid, brown Resin. (3) Inulin, 50 per cent., which in many plants replaces 
starch. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 dr.; 2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Pyrethri. — [Tincture of Pyrethrum. Pyrethrum, 200 ; 
by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1 000.] 

Action and Therapeutics oe Pyrethrum. 
Pyrethrum is a powerful sialogogue, and causes a burning 
sensation in the mouth, followed by numbness and tingling. 
Small quantities give a pleasant taste to tooth powders. 

CARYOPHYLLUS. 

CLOVES. — [The unexpanded flowers of Eugenia aromatica (Linnd) 
O. Kuntze (nat. ord. Myrtacece. Habitat. — Molucca Islands; cultivated in 
tropical countries. 

Characters. — About 15 mm. long, dark brown, consisting of a sub- 
cylindrical, solid and granular calyx-tube, terminated by four teeth, and sur- 
mounted by a globular head, formed of four petals, which cover numerous 
curved stamens, and one style. Cloves emit oil, when scratched, and have a 
strong, aromatic odor, and a pungent, spicy taste.] 



506 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Oleum Caryophylli 
[{sec below), 18 per cent.] (2) Eugenin [C 10 H 12 O 2 ], a crystalline body. (3) 
Caryophyllin, [C 10 H 16 O,] a neutral body isomeric with Camphor. 

[Cloves are contained in Vinum Opii, Tinctura Rhei Aromatica, and 
Tinctura Lavandulae Composita. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gin.] 

OLEUM CARYOPHYLLI.- [Oil of Cloves. A volatile oil distilled 
from Cloves. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, thin liquid, becoming darker and thicker 
by age and exposure to the air, having a strongly aromatic odor of Cloves, and 
a pungent and spicy taste. Sp. gr., 1. 060 to 1.067. Solubility. — Soluble in 
an equal volume of Alcohol ; also soluble in an equal volume of glacial Acetic 
Acid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Eugenol {Synonym. — 
Eugenic Acid), C 10 H 12 O 2 , which chemically resembles Phenol, and forms 
permanent Salts with Alkalies. (2) A terpene, C 15 H 24 . 

Incompatibles. — Lime water, iron salts, mineral acids, and gelatin. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c. c] 

Action of Cloves and Oil of Cloves. 

Oil of cloves is a typical example of a volatile oil the most 
important actions of which are exerted in the stomach. 

External. — When rubbed into the skin it is stimulant, 
rubefacient, irritant, and counter-irritant, and gives rise to 
considerable vascular dilatation. At first it causes a sensation of 
tingling and pain, which afterwards is replaced by local anaes- 
thesia. It is a parasiticide and antiseptic. 

Internal.— Mouth. — In the mouth, oil of cloves produces 
the same effects as on the skin : there is a burning sensation 
accompanied by vascular dilatation and an increased flow of 
saliva, and followed by local anaesthesia. Cloves stimulate the 
nerves of taste, and being volatile and aromatic, those of smell 
also ; by both these means taste is sharpened. 

Stomach. — The stimulant effect of cloves is experienced here. 
The vessels are dilated, peristalsis is accelerated, the 
secretion of gastric juice is excited, and as cloves are pleasant 
and aromatic, they do not ordinarily produce nausea; conse- 
quently the appetite is increased. The combined effect of 
these actions is to aid digestive processes — therefore oil of cloves 



VOLATILE OILS. 507 

is stomachic ; and to facilitate the expulsion of gas — thus it is 
carminative. The stimulation of the gastric nerves to a slight 
extent reflexly affects the heart in the same way as alcohol; 
therefore the rate and force of the pulse are moderately 
increased. 

I?itesti?ies. — Here likewise oil of cloves dilates the vessels, and 
stimulates the secretion and the muscular coat of the intestine ; 
consequently colicky pains due to irregular contraction of it are 
relieved, and flatus is expelled. 

Circulation. — Oil of cloves is readily absorbed from the intes- 
tine, circulates in the blood, and is said to increase the number 
of white corpuscles. It may, to a slight extent, stimulate the 
heart directly, but the greater part of the stimulation of the heart 
excited by it is reflex from the stomach. It is credited with the 
power of arresting painful spasmodic contractions in various parts 
of the body. It can, as we have seen, do this in the intestine, 
and possibly it may have to a slight extent the same action in the 
bronchial tubes, heart, etc. This causes it to be called anti- 
spasmodic. 

Mucous membranes. — Like other volatile oils it is excreted by 
the kidneys, skin, bronchi, and genito- urinary tract, and in pass- 
ing through these structures will act as a stimulating disinfect- 
ant to their secretion ; but oil of cloves is never used for these 
purposes. 

Therapeutics of Cloves and Oil of Cloves. 

External. — Oil of cloves is too [expensive] for frequent ex- 
ternal application, but on account of its local anaesthetic effect it 
has been used for neuralgia. It is employed to give a pleasant 
scent to liniments. 

Internal. — The oil is sometimes dropped into decayed teeth 
to relieve pain. Cloves are frequently employed in cookery for 
their taste, and because they stimulate the appetite and aid diges- 
tion. The oil or infusion [B. P., i to 40] may be used medici- 
nally as a stomachic, as an anti -spasmodic, or to relieve colicky 
pains in indigestion. It will be noticed that oil of cloves is 
sometimes combined with preparations of scammony, of castor 



508 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

oil, and of colocynth. This is to prevent the griping these pur- 
gatives might otherwise cause. 

PIMENTA. 

PIMENTA. — [Synonym. — Allspice. The nearly ripe fruit of Pimenta 
officinalis Lindley (nat. ord. Myrtacecs). Habitat. — Tropical America; culti- 
vated. 

Characters. — About 5 mm. in diameter, nearly globular, crowned with 
the short, four-parted calyx or its remnants, and a short style; brownish or 
brownish gray, granular and glandular, two-celled; each cell containing one 
brown plano-convex, roundish-reniform seed ; odor and taste pungently aro- 
matic, clove-like.] Resembling Pimenta. — Pepper, which has no calyx; 
Cubeb, which is stalked. 

Composition. — The chief ingredient is (1) [Oleum Pimentce [see below), 
10 per cent. ( 2) A green, acrid, fixed oil. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

OLEUM PIMENTO.— [Oil of Pimenta. Synonym.— Oil of Allspice. 
A volatile oil distilled from Pimenta. 

Characters. — A colorless a pale yellow liquid, having a strong, aro- 
matic, Clove-like odor, and a pungent, spicy taste. It becomes darker and 
thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 1.045 to 1. 055. Solubility. — 
With an equal volume of Alcohol it forms a clear solution. 

Oil of Pimenta is used in Spiritus Myrcise. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Allspice. 

The action and uses of pimenta and its oil are precisely the 
same as those of cloves and oil of cloves. 

PIPER. 

PEPPER. — [Synonym.— Black Pepper. The unripe fruit of Piper 
Nigrum, Linne (nat. ord. Piperacece). Habitat. — India; cultivated in the 
tropics. 

Characters. — Globular, about 4 men. in diameter, reticulately wrinkled, 
brownish-black, or grayish-black, internally lighter, hollow, with an undevel- 
oped embryo; odor aromatic; taste pungently spicy.] Resembling Black 
Pepper. — Pimenta, which has a calyx ; Cubeb, which is stalked. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) An Oleoresin. (2) Pi- 
$erin, [(see p. 509), 6 to 8 per cent. (3) Volatile Oil, I to 2 per cent. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm. 



VOLATILE OILS. 509 

Preparation. 
Oleoresina Piperis. — Oleoresin of Pepper. By percolation with 
Ether, distillation and evaporation of the residue. 
Dose, ^ to i gr. ; .015 to .06 gm. 

PIPERIN UM.— Piperin. C 17 H 19 N0 3 =284.38. A neutral principle 
obtained from Pepper, and obtainable also from other plants of the natural 
order Piperacea. 

Characters. — Colorless or pale yellowish, shining, prismatic crystals, 
odorless and almost tasteless when first put in the mouth, but on prolonged 
contact producing a sharp and bitter sensation. Permanent in the air. Solu- 
bility.— Almost insoluble in water ; soluble in 30 parts of Alcohol ; also 
slightly soluble in Ether. Isomeric with Morphine, it decomposes into Piperic 
Acid, C 12 H 10 O 4 , and a liquid Alkaloid Piperidine, C 5 H U N.] 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr. ; [.06 to .6q gm.] 

Action of Pepper. 
Pepper, because of its volatile oil, acts like other substances 
containing volatile oils ; thus externally it is at first rubefacient 
and counter-irritant, and subsequently it acts as an anodyne. 
Internally it increases the secretions of the mouth, and in the 
stomach it is stomachic and carminative. During its excretion 
it stimulates the mucous membrane of the genito- urinary tract. 
Piperin is believed to be a feeble antipyretic and antiperiodic. 

Therapeutics of Pepper. 
Occasionally pepper is used externally as an irritant for the 
same class of cases as mustard. Internally it may be applied in 
the form of a gargle, as a stimulant for the relaxed conditions of 
the throat. It is taken in the form of a condiment for its 
stomachic properties. The confection [B. P. , Pepper, 2 ; car- 
away, 3; honey, 16], or pepper lozenges are given empirically 
to relieve haemorrhoids, ulcers of the rectum, and fissures of the 

anus. 

MYRISTICA. 

NUTMEG. — The [seed of Myristica Fragrans Houttuyn (nat. ord. 
Myristicacece) , deprived of its testa. Habitat. — Molucca Islands; cultivated 
in tropical countries. 

Characters. — Oval or roundish-ovate, about 25 mm. long, light brown, 
reticulately furrowed, with a circular scar on the broad end ; internally pale 



510 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

brownish, with dark orange-brown veins, and of a fatty lustre ; odor strongly 
aromatic ; taste aromatic, warm, and somewhat bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) The fixed oil, 25 to 30 
per cent, (see below). (2) The volatile oil (see below), 2 to 8 per cent. 

Nutmeg is contained in [Pulvis Aromaticus, and Tinctura Lavandulae 
Composita. ] 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; [.30 to 1.00 gm.] 

OLEUM MYRISTIC^i EXPRESSUM. [B. P., not official].— 
Expressed Oil of Nutmeg. A concrete oil obtained by expression and heat 
from Nutmeg. 

Characters. — Orange-brown or orange-yellow, mottled, of a firm consis- 
tence; odor like Nutmeg. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Glyceryl Oleate, C 3 H 5 
(Cj 8 H 33 2 ) 3 . (2) Glyceryl Butyrate, C 3 H 5 (C n H 7 2 ) 3 . (3) Glyceryl Myris- 
tate, C 3 H 5 (C u H 27 2 ) 3 . (4) A little volatile oil. (5) A little resin. 

OLEUM MYRISTIC^i.— [Oil of Nutmeg. A volatile oil distilled 
from Nutmeg. 

Characters. — A thin, colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the 
characteristic odor of Nutmeg and a warm, spicy taste. It becomes darker 
and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 0.870 to 0.900. Solu- 
bility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Myristicene [C 10 II 16 ,], 
a terpene. (2) Myristicol, [C 10 H 14 O,] a stearopten, [isomeric with Carvol]. 

Oil of Nutmeg is contained in Spiritus Ammonice Aromaticus. 

Dose, 1 to 3 m. ; [.06 to .20 c.c] 

Preparation. 
Spiritus Myristicae. — [Spirit of Nutmeg. Synonym.- Essence 
of Nutmeg. Oil of Nutmeg, 50 ; Alcohol, 950. 
Dose, ]^, to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

MACIS. 

MACE. — The arillode of the seed of Myristica fragrans Houttuyn (nat. 
ord. Myristicacece). Habitat. — Molucca Islands; cultivated in the tropical 
countries. 

Characters — In narrow bands, 25 mm. or more long, somewhat 
branched and lobed above, united into broader bands below; brownish- 
orange; fatty when scratched or pressed; cdor fragrant, taste warm and 
aromatic. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A Volatile Oil, 8 per 
cent., a greater portion of which is Macene, C 10 H 16 . (2) A red fixed Oil. (3) 
Resin. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] 



volatile oils. 511 

Action and Therapeutics of Nutmeg and Mace. 
The action of oil of nutmeg is the same as that of other 
aromatic oils. The expressed oil of nutmeg is used in plasters as 
a sweet-smelling stimulant. Nutmeg [and mace] are much em- 
ployed in cookery for the sake of their volatile oil, which is an 
agreeable stomachic. A liniment, containing one part of the 
expressed oil to three of olive oil, is an elegant antiparasitic for 
mild cases of ringworm. 

CINNAMOMUM. 

[CINNAMOMUM SAIGONICUM.— Saigon Cinnamon. The bark 
of an undetermined species of Cinnamomwn (nat. ord. Laurinece}. Habitat. 
— China. 

Characters. — In quills about 15 cm. long, and 10 to 15 mm. in 
diameter, the bark 2 or 3 mm. thick ; outer surface gray or light grayish-brown 
with whitish patches, more or less rough from numerous warts and some trans- 
verse ridges and fine longitudinal wrinkles; the inner surface cinnamon-brown 
or dark brown, granular and slightly striate; fracture short, granular, in the 
outer layer cinnamon -colored, having near the cork numerous whitish striae 
forming an almost uninterrupted line; odor fragrant; taste sweet, warmly aro- 
matic, somewhat astringent. 

CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM.— Ceylon Cinnamon. The inner 
bark of the shoots of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breyne (nat. ord. Laurinece). 
Habitat. — Ceylon; cultivated. 

Characters. — Long, closely-rolled quills, composed of eight or more 
layers of bark of the thickness of paper; pale yellowish-brown; outer surface 
smooth, marked with wavy lines of bast-bundles ;> inner surface striate; frac- 
ture short splintery ; odor fragrant ; taste sweet and warmly aromatic. 

Composition — The chief constituents are — (1) A Volatile Oil, y 2 to \% 
percent. (2) Tannic acid. (3) Sugar. (4) Mannit.] 
Impurity.— Cassia Bark. 

Preparations. 
[1. Pulvis Aromaticus. — Aromatic Powder. Ceylon Cinnamon, 
35; Cardamom, 15; Ginger, 35; Nutmeg, 15. 

Aromatic Powder is used to make Extractum Aromaticum Fluidum, 
Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm. 

2. Tinctura Cinnamomi. — Tincture of Cinnamon. Ceylon Cin- 
namon, 100; Glycerin, 50; Alcohol and Water to 1000. By perco- 
lation. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 



512 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

3. Extractum Aromaticum Fluidum. — Aromatic Fluid Ex- 
tract. Aromatic Powder, by maceration and percolation with Alcohol, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

CINNAMOMUM CASSIA. — Cassia Cinnamon. Synonym— 
Cassia Bark. The bark of the shoots of one or more undetermined species of 
Cinnamomum grown in China (Chinese Cinnamon) (nat. ord. Laurinece). 
Habitat. — China. 

Characters. — In quills ot varying length and about 1 mm. or more 
in thickness; nearly deprived of the corky layer; yellowish-brown ; outer sur- 
face somewhat rough ; fracture nearly smooth ; odor fragrant ; taste sweet, 
and warmly aromatic. 

Composition. — (1) Volatile Oil {see below). (2) Tannic acid. (3) 
Sugar. (4) Mannit. 

Cassia Cinnamon is contained in Tinctura Cardamomi Composita, Tinc- 
tura Catechu Composita, Tinctura Lavandulae Composita and Vinum Opii.] 

OLEUM CINNAMOMI.— [Oil of Cinnamon. Synonym.— Oil of 
Cassia. A volatile oil distilled from Cassia Cinnamon. 

Characters. — A yellowish or brownish liquid, becoming darker and 
thicker by age and exposure to the air, having the characteristic odor of Cin- 
namon, and a sweetish, spicy, and burning taste. Sp. gr., 1.055 *° 1.065. 
Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — ( I ) Chiefly Cinnamic Alde- 
hyde, C 9 H 8 0. (2) In old oil, Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 . 

Oil of Cinnamon is contained in Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Preparations. 

[1. Aqua Cinnamomi. — Cinnamon Water. Oil of Cinnamon, 2; 
by trituration with precipitated Calcium Phosphate and addition of Dis- 
tilled Water to 1000. 

Cinnamon Water is contained in Infusum Digitalis. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c c. 

2. Spiritus Cinnamomi. — Spirit of Cinnamon. Oil of Cinna- 
mon, 100; Alcohol, 900. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cinnamon. 
Oil of cinnamon has the same action as other aromatic vola- 
tile oils, and is therefore stomachic and carminative. Cinnamon 
bark in addition has, in virtue of its tannic acid, some astringent 



VOLATILE OILS. 513 

action, and is consequently a common flavoring stomachic vehicle 
for astringent powders and mixtures, except such as contain iron. 
Finely powdered cinnamon (60 to 90 gr. [4. to 6. gm.]), is given 
night and morning in acute dysentery. 

ARMORACIA. 

HORSE-RADISH. [B. P., not official.]— The fresh root of the Coch- 
learia armoracia (nat. ord. Cruciferce). Habitat. — Cultivated in [the United 
States] and Britain. It is most active in the autumn and early spring, before 
the leaves have appeared. 

Characters. — A long, cylindrical, fleshy root, enlarged at the upper end, 
where it is marked by the scars of fallen leaves, [12 to 25 mm.] in diameter, 
and usually [30 cm.] or more long. Pale yellowish or brownish- white exter- 
nally ; whitish and fleshy within. Taste very pungent. Inodorous unless 
bruised or scraped. Resembling Horse-Radish Root. — Aconite root, which is 
shorter, conical, not cylindrical, darker, and causes tingling and numbness 
when chewed. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is a substance which, by the action 
of a ferment, yields a volatile oil identical with that of Mustard. 

Action and Uses of Horse-radish. 
Horse-radish is a condiment, having the same action as mus- 
tard. It has been used as a counter-irritant. The [compound] 
spirit [B. P., scraped horse-radish root, 10; bitter orange peel, 
10; nutmeg, 1; alcohol, 192; water, 72; dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. • 
4. to 8. c. c] is a pleasant flavoring and carminative agent. 

CAPSICUM. 

CAPSICUM. — \_Synonyms. — Cayenne Pepper. Guinea Pepper. Afri- 
can Pepper. The fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum Blume (nat. ord. Solanacece). 
Habitat. — Tropical America ; cultivated in tropical countries. 

Characters. — Oblong-conical, from 10 to 20 mm. long, supported by a 
flattish, cup-shaped, five-toothed calyx, with a red. shining membranous and 
translucent pericarp, enclosing two cells, and containing flat, reniform, yellow- 
ish seeds attached to a thick, central placenta. It has a peculiar odor, and an 
intensely hot taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Capsaicin, [C 9 H u N0 2 ], 
a crystallizable acrid substance. (2) Capsicin, a volatile Alkaloid smelling like 
Coniine. (3) A fixed oil. (4) A Resin. (5) Fatty matter. 

Dried and powdered it constitutes red pepper. 

Impurities. — Various red substances, e. g. f red-lead. 

Dose, 1 to 8 gr. ; [.06 to .50 gm.] 
33 



514 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparations. 
[i. Extractum Capsici Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Capsicum. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, i to 8 m. ; .06 to .50 c.c] 

2. Oleoresina Capsici. — Oleoresin of Capsicum. By percola- 
tion with Ether and distillation, and evaporation of the residue. 

Dose, ^toim.; .015 to .06 c.c] 

3. Tinctura Capsici. — [Tincture of Capsicum. Capsicum, 50. 
By percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; .30 to 4.00 c.c] 

4. Emplastrum Capsici. — Capsicum Plaster. Resin Plaster 
and Oleoresin of Capsicum. Cover muslin with the melted plaster, 
coat it when cool, by brushing on the Oleoresin. 

Action of Capsicum. 
The action of capsicum is like that of volatile oils generally. 
Thus externally it is a powerful rubefacient, irritant, and counter- 
irritant. Internally in small doses it stimulates the gastric secre- 
tions, causes dilatation of the gastric vessels, and excites the 
muscular coat. It is therefore stomachic and carminative. 

Therapeutics of Capsicum. 
Capsicum is used as a condiment. Medicinally it is given as 
a stomachic and carminative in dyspepsia, particularly that of 
drunkards when it is required either to 'excite the appetite and 
digestion, or to cause the evacuation of gas. 

ZINGIBER. 

GINGER. — The [rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (nat. ord. 
Seitaminece) . Habitat. — India ; cultivated in the tropics 

Characters. — About 5 to 10 cm. long, 10 to 15 mm. broad, and 4 to 8 
mm. thick, flattish, on one side lobed or clavately branched; deprived of the 
corky layer; pale, buff-colored, striate, breaking with a mealy, rather fibrous 
fracture, showing numerous small, scattered resin-cells and fibro-vascular 
bundles, the latter enclosed by a nucleus sheath ; agreeably aromatic, and of a 
pungent and warm taste.] Resembling Ginger. — Turmeric, which is yellow. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) An aromatic volatile oil, 
\}/l to 2 per cent.] giving the flavor. (2) Resin. [(3) Gingerol, to which 
the pungent taste is due (Thresh). 

Ginger is contamed in Pulvis Rhei Compositus and Pulvis Aromaticus. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 



VOLATILE OILS. 515 

Preparations. 
i. Extractum Zingiberis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Ginger. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Fluid Extract of Ginger is used in Syrupus Zingiberis. 
Dose, 5 to 15 gm.; .30 to 1.00 c.c. 

2. Oleoresina Zingiberis. — Oleoresin of Ginger. By percolation 
with Ether, distillation, and evaporation of the residue. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 gm. ; .03 to .12 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Zingiberis. — Tincture of Ginger. Ginger, 200. By 
percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Tincture of Ginger is used in Trochisci Zingiberis. 
Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

4. Syrupus Zingiberis. — Syrup of Ginger. Fluid Extract of 
Ginger, 30; Sugar, 850; Water to 1 000. By trituration with Precipi- 
tated Calcium Phosphate, solution and filtration. 

Dose, yi to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

5. Trochisci Zingiberis. — Troches of Ginger. Tincture of Gin- 
ger, 20; Tragacanth, 4; Sugar, 130 gm. ; Syrup of Ginger in sufficient 
quantity to make 100 troches. 

Dose. — Freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ginger. 
Its action is the same as that of other substances containing 
aromatic volatile oils. It is chiefly used as a stomachic, car- 
minative, and flavoring agent. 

CARDAMOMUM. 

CARDAMOM. — The [fruit of Elettaria repens (Sonnrat) Baillon (nat. 
ord. Scitaminece). Habitat. — Malabar; cultivated in India. 

Characters. — Ovoid or oblong, from 10 to 15 mm. long, obtusely tri- 
angular, rounded at the base, beaked, longitudinally striate; of a pale buff 
color, three-celled, with a thin, leathery, nearly tasteless pericarp, and a central 
placenta. The seeds are about 4 mm. long, reddish -brown, angular, rugose, 
depressed at the hilum, surrounded by a thin, membranous arillus, and have 
an agreeable odor and a pungent, aromatic taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, 4 to 5 per 
cent., which is a terpene, C 10 H 16 . (2) A fixed oil, 10 to 11 per cent. The 
pericarp is medicinally inactive. 

Cardamom is contained in Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum, Tinc- 
tura Gentianae Composita, Pulvis Aromaticus, Tinctura Gentianae Composita, 
Tinctura Rhei, and Tinctura Rhei [Dulcis]. 

Dose, 10 to 15 gr. ; [.60 to 1,00 gm. 



516 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparations. 

i. Tinctura Cardamomi. — Tincture of Cardamom. Cardamom, 
ioo. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to iooo. 

Dose, i to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. — Compound Tincture of 
Cardamom. Cardamom, 20 ; Caraway, 10 ; Cassia Cinnamon, 20. 
Cochineal, 5 ; Glycerin, 50. By percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 
iooo. 

Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr. ; 8. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cardamom. 
Cardamom, because of its volatile oil, acts like cloves or pep- 
per; therefore it is carminative and stomachic. As it has a 
pleasant taste, and the [compound] tincture is of a red color, it 
is much used as a coloring and flavoring agent. A good flavoring 
carminative is the Tinctura Carminativa of the British Pharmaceu- 
tical Conference. It contains cardamom, 6 ; tincture of gin- 
ger, 6 ; oil of cinnamom, oil of caraway, oil of cloves, of each, 

1 ; rectified spirit to 96. Dose, 2 to 10 minims [.12 to .60 c.c] 

SUMBUL. 

SUMBUL.- Synonym.— Musk Root. [The root of Ferula Sumbul 
(KaufFmann) Hooker Alius (nat. ord. Umbelliferce), Habitat. — Central and 
Northeastern Asia. 

Characters. — In transverse segments, varying in diameter from about 

2 to 7 cm., and in length from 15 to 30 mm.; light, spongy, annulate or 
longitudinally wrinkled ; bark thin, brown, more or less bristly fibrous ; the 
interior whitish, with numerous brownish-yellow resin dots and irregular, 
easily separated fibres; odor strong, musk-like; taste bitter and balsamic] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil. (2) Two 
Resins. (3) Valerianic Acid. (4) Sumbulic or Angelic Acid. 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Sumbul. — [Tincture of Sumbul. Sumbul, 100; by 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to iooo. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sumbul. 
The action of sumbul is the same as that of volatile oils in 
general. It is only used internally, and is given as a carmina- 
tive in flatulence. It is also employed in much the same class of 



VOLATILE OILS. 517 

cases as valerian — that is to say, in neurotic conditions, hysteria, 
etc. In Russia it is given chiefly as a stimulant in typhoid fever, 
dysentery, diarrhoea, etc., for the same purposes as musk is em- 
ployed in many other countries. 

[OLEUM LAVANDULA. 

OIL OF LAVENDER. [B. P., not official.— A volatile oil dis- 
tilled from the flowers of Lavandula vera (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — 
Britain.] 

Characters. — A colorless or greenish or pale yellow [liquid having the 
aromatic odor of Lavender, a pungent, bitter taste, and a neutral reaction. 
Sp. gr., about 0.890, soluble in Alcohol.] 

Impurity.— Oil of Spike. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Terpene. (2) Stearopten. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Lavender. 

Oil of lavender has the same action as other aromatic volatile 
oils. It is used externally as a pleasant stimulating component 
of liniments. 

[OLEUM LAVANDULA FLORUM. 

OIL OF LAVENDER FLOWERS.— A volatile oil distilled from 
the fresh flowers of Lavandula officinalis Chaix (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. 
— Southern Europe; cultivated. 

Characters. — A colorless or yellowish liquid, having the fragrant odor 
of Lavender Flowers, and a pungent and bitter taste. Sp. gr., 0.885 to 
0.897. Solubility.— In all proportions in Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Terpene. (2) Stearopten. 

Oil of Lavender Flowers is contained in Linimentum Saponis Mollis, 
Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus, and Unguentum Diachylon. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Preparations. 

1. Spiritus Lavandulae. — Spirit of Lavender. Oil of Lavender 
Flowers, 50; Deodorized Alcohol, 950. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Lavandulae Composita. — Compound Tincture of 
Lavender. Synonym. — Compound Spirit of Lavender. Oil of Lav- 
ender Flowers, 8; Oil of Rosemary, 2; Cassia Cinnamon, 20; Cloves, 
5; Nutmeg, 10; Red Saunders, 10; Alcohol, 700; Water, 250 ; diluted 
Alcohol to 1000. By mixing and percolation. 



520 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

flowers in terminal, interrupted, narrow, acute spikes, with a tubular, sharply 
five-toothed calyx, a light-purplish, four-lobed corolla, and four rather long 
stamens; odor aromatic, taste pungent. 

Composition. — (i) A volatile oil {see below). (2) Resin. (3) Gum. 

Preparation, 

Spiritus Menthae Viridis. — Spirit of Spearmint. Synonym. — 
Essence of Spearmint. Oil of Spearmint, ioo; Spearmint, 10. By 
maceration with Alcohol and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m.; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

OLEUM MENTHA VIRIDIS.-[Oil of Spearmint. A volatile 
oil distilled from Spearmint. 

Characters. — A colorless, yellowish, or greenish-yellow liquid, becom- 
ing darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air, having the character- 
istic, strong odor of Spearmint, and a hot, aromatic taste. Sp. gr. o. 930 to 
0.940. Solubility. — Freely in Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Menthene, the same Ter- 
pene as in Peppermint. (2) Car[v\ol, C 10 H 14 O, a Stearopten isomeric with 
Thymol {q. v.). 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Aqua Menthae Viridis.— [Spearmint water. Oil of Spear- 
mint, 2. By trituration with precipitated Calcium Phosphate, addition 
of Distilled Water and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. oz. ; 15. to 60. c.c] 

2. Spiritus Menthae Viridis. — {See above). 

Action and Therapeutics of Spearmint. 
These are the same as those of [peppermint and] oil of pep- 
permint, but oil of spearmint is not so agreeable. 

ANISUM. 

ANISE. — The [fruit of Pimpinella Anisum Linne (nat. ord. Umbelli- 
ferce). Habitat, — Western Asia, Egypt, Southeastern Europe; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 4 or 5 mm. long, ovate, compressed at the sides, 
grayish, finely hairy, and consisting of two mericarps, each with a flat face, 
and five light, brownish, filiform ridges, and about 15 thin oil tubes, which can 
be seen in a transverse section by the microscope. It has an agreeable, aro- 
matic odor, and a sweet, spicy taste. Resembling Anise. — Conium, which 
has single mericarps, smooth, grooved upon the face, and having crenate ridges 
with wrinkles between them, and no oil-tubes. 



VOLATILE OILS. 52i 

COMPOSITION. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil {see below). 
Anise is contained in Tinctura Rhei Dulcis. 
Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm.] 

ILLICIUM. — [Synonym. — Star Anise. The fruit of Illicium verum 
Hooker Alius (nat. ord. Magnoliacece). Habitat. — Northern Anam. 

Characters. — The fruit is pedunculate and consists of eight stellately 
arranged carpels, which are boat-shaped, about IO mm. long, rather woody, 
wrinkled, straight-beaked, brown, dehiscent on the upper suture, internally 
reddish -brown, glossy, and containing a single, flattish, oval, glossy, brownish- 
yellow seed; odor anise- like; taste of the carpels sweet and aromatic, and of 
the seeds oily. Resembling Star Anise. — Illicium anisatum Linne {Illicium 
religiosum Siebold), the carpels of which are more woody, shrivelled, and have 
a thin, mostly curved beak, a faint, clove-like odor, and an unpleasant taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the volatile oil. 

Oleum Anisi may be distilled from this as well as from Pimpinella 
Anisum, 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr.; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

OLEUM ANISI. — [Oil of Anise. A volatile oil distilled from Anise. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellow, thin, and strongly refractive 
liquid, having the characteristic odor of Anise, and a sweetish, mildly aro- 
matic taste. That from the Pimpinella Anisum solidifies at 59 F. [15 C.] ; 
that from Illicium verum (Star-anise) at about 50° F. [io° C.]. Sp. gr., about 
0.980 to 0.990. Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are (1) A Terpene, [C 10 H 16 , in 
small quantity. (2) A Stearopten, ancthol, C I0 H 12 O, 80 per cent. 

Oil of Anise is contained in Tinctura Opii Camphorata, Spiritus Aurantii 
Compositus, Syrupus Sarsaparillee Compositus, and Trochisci Glycyrrhizse et 
Opii.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; [.06 to .30 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. [Aqua Anisi. — Anise water. Oil of Anise, 2. By trituration 
with precipitated Calcium Phosphate, addition of Water and filtration 
to IOOO. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. oz. ; 8. to 30. c.c. 

2. Spiritus Anisi. — Spirit of Anise. Oil of Anise, 100. Alcohol* 
900. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Anise. 
The action of oil of anise is the same as that of aromatic oils 
generally. It is specially used to get rid of flatulence in children, 



522 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

and, on account of its slightly expectorant action, as a basis of 

cough mixtures. 

CORIANDRUM. 

CORIANDER. — The [fruit of Coriandrum sativum Linne (nat. ord. 
U nib el lifer ce). Habitat.— Central Asia and Southern Europe; cultivated. 

Characters. — Globular; about 4 mm. in diameter; crowned with the 
calyx-teeth and stylopod ; brownish-yellow, with slight, longitudinal ridges ; 
the two mericarps cohering, enclosing a lenticular cavity, and each furnished 
on the face with two oil tubes ; odor and taste agreeably aromatic] 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil {see below). 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 grh.] 

OLEUM CORIANDRI.— [Oil of Coriander. A volatile oil distilled 
from Coriander. 

Characters. — A colorless or slightly yellowish liquid, having the char- 
acteristic, aromatic odor of Coriander, and a warm, spicy taste. Sp. gr. , 0.870 
to 0.885. 

Composition. — (1) Dextropinene. (2) Coriandrol. C 10 H 18 O, which is 
isomeric with Borneo Camphor (a. v).~\ 

Oil of Coriander is contained in Syrupus Sennse, [Confectio Sennoe, and 
Spiritus Aurantii Compositus.] 

Dose, 2 to 5 m. ; [.12 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Coriander. 

Oil of coriander has the same action as other volatile oils. 
It is chiefly used as a stomachic and carminative, and to disguise 
the taste of rhubarb and senna. 

FCENICULUM. 

FENNEL. — The [fruit of Fceniculum capillaceum Gilibert (nat. ord. 
Umbelliferce). Habitat. — Levant and Southern Europe; cultivated. 

Characters. — Oblong, nearly cylindrical, slightly curved, from 4 to 8 
mm. long, brownish or greenish-brown ; readily separable into the two promi • 
nent mericarps, each with five light-brown, obtuse ribs, four oil-tubes on the 
back, and two or four oil-tubes upon the flat face ; odor and taste aromatic, 
anise-like.] Resembling Fennel. — Conium fruit (Fennel is larger and has 
prominent vittae, [oil tubes]), Caraway and Anise fruits. 

Composition. —The chief constituent is the official volatile oil, [probably 
chemically] identical with Oil of Anise {see p. 521). 

[Fennel is contained in Infusum Sennse Compositum. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2 gm. 



VOLATILE OILS. 523 

OLEUM FCENICULI.— Oil of Fennel. A volatile oil distilled from 
Fennel. 

Characters. — A colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the charac- 
teristic, aromatic odor of Fennel, and a sweetish, mild and spicy taste. Sp, 
gr., not less than 0.960." Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol. 

Oil of Fennel is contained in Spiritus Juniperi Compositus and Pulvis 
Glycyrrhizae Compositus. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to 30 c.c. 

Preparation. 

Aqua Foeniculi. — Fennel water. Oil of Fennel, 2. By tritura- 
tion with precipitated Calcium Phosphate, addition of Distilled Water; 
and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, j( to 1 fl. oz. ; 8. to 30. c c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Fennel. 
These are same as of oil of anise or of coriander. 

CARUM. 

CARAWAY. — The [fruit of Caruni Carvi Linne (nat. ord. Umbelli- 
ferce). Habitat. — Central and Western Asia ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Oblong, laterally compressed, about 4 or 5 mm. long, 
usually separated into the two mericarps, which are curved, narrower at both 
ends, brown, with five yellowish, filiform ribs, and with six oil-tubes. Cara- 
way has an agreeable odor, and a sweetish, spicy taste.] Resembling Caraway. 
— Conium and Fennel. Known by the small ridges and the spicy taste of 
Caraway. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil {see below), 
[5 to 7 P er cent. 

Caraway is contained in Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. ] 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; [1. to 2. gm.] 

OLEUM CARL— [Oil of Caraway. A volatile oil distilled from Car- 
away. 

Characters. — A colorless, or pale yellow, thin liquid, having the char- 
acteristic, aromatic odor of Caraway, and a mild, spicy taste. Sp. gr., 0.910 
to 0.920. Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Car[vene, C 10 H 16 ,] a 
Terpene. (2) Car\y~\ol> C J0 H M O, isomeric with Thymol (q. v.). 

\_Oil of Caraway is contained in Spiritus Juniperi Compositus.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; [.06 to .30 c.c] 



524 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Action and Therapeutics of Caraway. 

The action and uses of oil of caraway are the same as those of 
other aromatic volatile oils. It is employed as a carminative, 
stomachic and flavoring agent. 

ANETHUM. 

DILL. — [B. P., not official.] — The dried fruit of Peucedanum grav- 
eolens (nat. ord. Umbelliferce). Habitat. — Middle and Southern Europe; [cul- 
tivated.] 

Characters. — Broadly oval, [12 mm.] long, brown, flat, with a pale, 
broad membranous border. Mericarps distinct, odor and taste agreeable and 
aromatic. Resembling Dill. — Conium, Anise, Fennel, Caraway j but Dill is 
winged. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the volatile oil (see below. ) 

OLEUM ANETHI.— [(Not official) Oil of Dill.] The oil distilled 
from Dill fruit. 

Characters.— Pale yellow, odor pungent, taste hot and sweetish. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Anethene, a terpene. 
(2) An oxidized substance identical with Car[v]ol. 

Dose, 1 to 4 m. ; [.06 to .25 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Dill. 

The same as those of anise and caraway. Dill water [B. P. ; 
dill fruit, 1 ; water, 10; dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz., 30. to 60. c.c] is a 
common carminative for children, and it covers very well the 
taste of sodium salts. 

SAMBUCUS. 

SAMBUCUS. — Synonym. — Elder. [The flowers of Sambucus cana- 
densis Linne (nat. ord. Caprifoliacece). Habitat. — North America, west to the 
Rocky Mountains, in damp places. 

Characters. — The flowers, when fresh, about 5 mm. broad, and after 
drying shrivelled ; calyx superior, minutely five-toothed ; corolla originally 
cream-colored, after drying pale brownish-yellow, wheel-shaped and five lobed, 
with five stamens on the short tube ; odor peculiar ; taste sweetish, somewhat 
aromatic and bitterish.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A resin. (2) Valerianic 
Acid. (3) A volatile oil. 

Dose, yi to 1 dr; [2. to 4. gm.] 



volatile oils. 525 

Action and Therapeutics of Sambucus. 

Elder flowers are used to flavor medicines, [and are gently 
stimulant and diaphoretic. 

HEDEOMA. 

HEDEOMA. — Synonym. — Pennyroyal. The leaves and tops of 
Hedeoma pulegioides (Linne) Persoon (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — North 
America, south to Georgia, and west to Dakota ; in sandy fields. 

Characters. — Leaves opposite, short-petioled, about 12 mm. long, ob- 
long-ovate, obscurely serrate, glandular beneath; branches roundish-quad- 
rangular, hairy ; flowers in small axillary cymules, with a tubular ovoid, 
bilabiate and five-toothed calyx, and a pale blue, spotted, bilabiate corolla, 
containing two sterile and two fertile, exserted stamens ; odor strong, mint- 
like; taste warm and pungent. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the official volatile oil. 

OLEUM HEDEOMA. —Oil of Hedeoma. Synonym. — Oil of 
Pennyroyal. A volatile oil distilled from Hedeoma. 

Characters. — A pale yellowish, limpid liquid, having a characteristic, 
pungent, mint-like odor and taste. Sp. gr., 0.930 to 0.940. Solubility. — 
Freely in Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Pennyroyal. 

Pennyroyal is a gentle aromatic stimulant, and may be given 
in flatulent colic and sick stomach. The oil is in common use 
locally applied as a remedy for mosquito bites. 
ABSINTHIUM. 

ABSINTHIUM. — Synonym. — Wormwood. The leaves and tops of 
Artemisia Absinthium Linne (nat. ord. Composite). Habitat. — Northern 
Asia, Europe and Northern Africa ; naturalized in North America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves about 5 cm. long, hoary, silky-pubescent, petio- 
late, roundish-triangular in outline ; pinnately two- or three-cleft, with the 
segments lanceolate, the terminal one spatulate ; bracts three-cleft or entire ; 
heads numerous, about 3 mm. long, subglobose, with numerous small, pale 
yellow florets, all tubular and without pappus ; odor aromatic ; taste persist- 
ently bitter. 

Composition. — The principal constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, about 
I per cent., mainly Absinthol, C 10 H 16 O. (2) A bitter glucoside, Absinthin, 
^15^20^' (3) Absinthic Acid. The volatile oil mixed with alcohol and oil 
of anise is known as absinthe, a beverage much esteemed in France. 

Dose, 8 to 40 gr. ; .50 to 2.40 gm. 



526 organic materia medica. 

Action and Uses of Wormwood. 
Wormwood is used in an infusion as an aromatic tonic in 
atony of stomach or intestines. 

ANTHEMIS. 

ANTHEMIS. — Synonym — Chamomile. The flower-heads of Anthe- 
mis nobilis Linne (nat. ord. Composite^), [collected from cultivated plants. 
Habitat. — Southern and Western Europe; cultivated; naturalized in a few 
localities in the United States. 

Characters. — Heads subglobular, about 2 cm. broad, consisting of an 
imbricated involu re, and numerous white, strap-shaped, three-toothed florets, 
and few, or no, yellow tubular disk florets, inserted upon a chaffy, conical, solid 
receptacle. It has a strong, agreeable odor, and an aromatic, bitter. taste. 

Composition. — (1) Anthemene, C 18 H 36 , in tasteless needles. (2) A 
volatile oil, I per cent. (3) A Resin. (4) Tannic acid. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm.] 

OLEUM ANTHEMIDIS.— [B. P., not official].— Oil of Chamo- 
mile. — The volatile oil distilled from Chamomile flowers. 

Characters. — Pale blue or greenish-blue, becoming yellowish-brown. 
Odor and taste like Chamomile. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A terpene, C 10 H 16 . (2) 
\_Anthe?nol, C 10 H 16 O.] (3) A bitter principle. 

Dose 1 to 4 m. ; [.06 to .25 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Chamomile. 

External. — A poultice made with chamomile flowers is a 
popular domestic remedy. Its virtues are due to its warmth. 

Internal. — Like other volatile oils, oil of chamomile is a 
stomachic and carminative. The infusion [B. P., 1 to 20], in 
large doses [5 to 10 fl. oz.; 150. to 300. c.c] is a simple emetic. 

[MATRICARIA. 

MATRICARIA. — Synonym. — German Chamomile. The flower-heads 
of Matricaria Chamomilla, Linne (nat. ord. Compositce). Habitat. — Europe 
and Western Asia. 

Characters. — About 15 to 20 mm. broad, composed of a flattish, imbri- 
cate involucre, a conical, hollow, naked receptacle, which is about 5 mm. high, 
about fifteen white, ligulate, reflexed ray florets, and numerous yellow, tubular^ 
perfect disk-florets without pappus ; strongly aromatic and bitter. Resembling 
Matricaria. — Anthemis Arvensis and Anthemis Cotula, but these have conical, 
solid, and chaffy receptacles. 



VOLATILE OILS. 527 

Composition. — (i) Volatile Oil X per cent. (2) Anthemic Acid. (3) 
Anthemidin, probably aglucoside. (4) Tannic acid. 
Dose, % to 1 dr.; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Matricaria. 
The actions and uses are identical with those of chamomile.] 

PINUS LARIX. 

LARCH.— [B. P., not official.-] The bark of the Finns Larix, the 
common Larch (nat ord. Coniferce), deprived of its outer rough portion and 
dried. Collected in the Spring. \_Habitat. — Central Europe.] 

Characters. — Flattish pieces or quills, external surface dark-red, 
uneven ; inner, yellowish or pinkish, nearly smooth. Odor like Turpentine. 
Taste astringent. Resembling Larch Bark. — Red Cinchona bark, which is 
very bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Turpentine. (2) Tannic 
Acid. (3) \_Larixin, or Larixinic Acid, a crystalline bitter principle.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Larch. 
Larch bark is not often prescribed. [The B. P. contains a tinc- 
ture (1 to 8) of which the dose is 20 to 30 m., 1.20 to 2.00 c.c] 
Its action depends upon the oil of turpentine contained in the 
turpentine in it 

Class III.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE HEART AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
VALERIANA. 

VALERIAN. — The rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis [Linne 
(nat. ord. Valerianece) . Habitat. —Europe and Northern Asia; naturalized 
in England ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Rhizome from 2 to 4 cm. long, and 1 to 2 cm. thick 
upright, subglobular or obconical, truncate at both ends, brown or yellowish- 
brown, internally whitish or pale brownish, with a narrow circle of white 
wood under the thin bark. Roots numerous, slender, brittle, brown with a 
thick bark, and slender, ligneous cord. Odor peculiar, becoming stronger 
and unpleasant on keeping ; taste camphoraceous and somewhat bitter.] Re- 
sembling Valerian. — Serpentaria, Arnica, Green Hellebore; but Valerian is 
known by its odor. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, y^ to 2 
per cent., [consisting of the alcohol, Borneol, C 10 H 18 O, its ether, (C 10 H 1Y )O 2 , 
and its formic, acetic, and valerianic ethers.] (2) Valerianic Acid, C 5 H 10 O 2 . 
It is colorless, oily, with the odor of Valerian, and strongly acid, with a burning 



528 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

aste. Solubility. — In 30 parts of water ; readily in Alcohol and Ether. The 
amount of it in Valerian increases by keeping, while that of the oil decreases. 
It can be derived from Amylic Alcohol, C 5 H 12 (Valeryl Aldehyde). [(3) 
Formic, Acetic and Malic Acids. (4) Tannic acid. (5) Resin. 
Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Valerianae Fluidum. — [Fluid Extract of Valerian 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m.; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

2. Tinctura Valerianae. — [Tincture of Valerian. Valerian, 200 ; 
by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

3. Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata — [Ammoniated Tincture 
of Valerian. Valerian, 200 ; by maceration and percolation with Aro- 
matic Spirit of Ammonia to ioco. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr.; 2. to 8. c.c] 

[AMMONII VALERIANAS.— Ammonium Valerianate. NH 4 C 5 
H 9 2 =n8.78. 

Source. — By saturating Valerianic Acid with Gaseous Ammonia, obtained 
from a mixture of Ammonium Chloride and Lime, and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, or white, quadrangular plates, emitting the odor 
of Valerianic Acid, of a sharp and sweetish taste, and deliquescent in moist 
air. Solubility. — Very soluble in Water and in Alcohol ; also soluble in Ether. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr. ; .12 to .50 gm. 

FERRI VALERIANAS.— Ferric Valerianate. 

Source. — By precipitating a diluted solution of Ferric Sulphate, with a 
solution of Sodium Valerianate and washing the precipitate. 

Characters. — A dark, brick-red, amorphous powder of somewhat vary- 
ing chemical composition, having the odor of Valerianic Acid, and a mildly 
styptic taste ; permanent in dry air. Solubility. — Insoluble in cold water, but 
readily soluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 3 gr. ; .06 to .20 gm.] 

SODII VALERIANAS.— [B. P., not official.]— Sodium Valerianate. 

— NaC 5 H 9 2 = [12377]. 

Source. — Make Valerianic Acid by distilling a mixture of Amylic 
Alcohol, Sulphuric Acid, and Potassium Bichromate. Saturate the distillate 
which contains Valerianic Acid, with Caustic Soda, and evaporate. 

Characters — White masses of a powerful valerian like odor. Solu- 
bility. — Easily in b th Alcohol and Ether. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm,] 



VOLATILE OILS. 529 

[QUININE VALERIANAS.— Quinine Valerianate. C 20 H 24 N 2 O 2 
C 6 H 10 O 2 + H 2 O= 443-07- 

Source. — By decomposing Quinine Sulphate by Ammonia, combining 
directly with Valerianic Acid, and crystallizing from a cold solution. 

Characters. — White, or nearly white, pearly, lustrous, triclinic crystals, 
having a slight odor of Valerianic Acid, and a bitter taste. Permanent in the 
air. Solubility. — In 100 parts of Water, and in 5 parts of Alcohol. 

Dose, 1 to 30 gr. ; .06 to 2.00 gm.] 

ZXNCI VALERIANAS.— Zinc Valerianate. Zn(C 6 H 9 2 \[+2H a O 

= 302.56. 

Source. — From hot solutions of Zinc Sulphate and Sodium Valerianate; 
evaporate and Zinc Valerianate crystallizes out. 

Characters. — White, pearly scales, having the odor of Valerianic Acid, 
and a sweetish, astringent and metallic taste. On exposure to the air it slowly 
loses Valerianic Acid. Solubility. — In about 100 parts of water, and in 40 
parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — All acids, soluble carbonates, most metallic salts and 
vegetable astringents. 

Dose, y 2 to 3 gr. ; [.03 to .20 gm.] 

Action of Valerian and the Valerianates. 

Neither valerianic acid, [ammonium, ferric], sodium, [qui- 
nine] nor zinc valerianates are known to have any action [although 
their extensive use warrants the belief that they are valuable 
remedies.] 

Valerian itself acts in virtue of its volatile oil, which has the 
same properties as other volatile oils. Valerian is therefore an 
irritant when applied externally ; internally it stimulates the 
mouth, stomach, and intestines ; consequently it increases the 
appetite and the vascularity, the secretion, and the peristaltic 
action of the stomach, and intestines; and in its excretion, which 
takes place chiefly through the bronchial mucous membrane, 
kidneys and genito-urinary mucous membrane, it excites the flow 
of fluids excreted through these parts. Acting reflexly from the 
stomach, it stimulates the circulation rather more powerfully 
than most volatile oils. 

Therapeutics of Valerian and the Valerianates. 
Preparations of valerian, or still better the oil (not official, 2 
to 5 m. [.12 to .30 c.c.]) suspended in mucilage with cinnamon 
34 



530 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

water, are often given as carminatives in cases of flatulence, and 
as reflex stimulants in fainting, palpitation, etc. Valerian and 
[the] valerianates sometimes cure reflex neuralgia, and they are 
often prescribed for hysteria and other neurotic conditions, but 
frequently without benefit. 

[CYPRIPEDIUM. 

CYPRI'PE.DIXJM.— Synonym— Ladies' Slipper. The rhizome and 
roots of Cypripedium pubescens Swartz, and of Cypripedium parviflorum 
Salisbury (nat. ord. Orchidece). Habitat. — North America; in swampy places. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, bent, io cm., or less, long; from 
3 to 5 mm. thick; on the upper side beset with numerous circular, cup-shaped 
scars ; closely covered below with simple, wiry roots, varying from io to 15 
cm. in length; brittle, dark brown, or orange-brown; fracture short, white; 
odor peculiar, heavy ; taste sweetish, bitter, and somewhat pungent. 

Composition.— It contains — (1) A volatile oil. (2) A volatile acid. (3) 
Two resins. (4) Tannic acid. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Cypripedii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cypripe- 
dium. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 15 to 30 m.; 1. to 2. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Cypripedium. 
Cypripedium is a gentle, nervous stimulant, resembling vale- 
rian in its action. It has been used for nervous diseases, epilepsy, 
hypochondriasis and neuralgia.] 

ASAFCETIDA. 

ASAFETID A. — A gum-resin obtained [from the root of Ferula fcetida 
(Bunge) Regel (nat. ord. Umbelliferce). Habitat. — Persia, Turkestan and 
Afghanistan. 

Characters. — In irregular masses composed of whitish tears, which are 
imbedded in a yellowish -gray or brownish-gray, sticky mass. The tears, when 
hard, break with a conchoidal fracture, showing a milk-white color, which 
changes, gradually, on exposure, to pink, and finally to brown. It has a per- 
sistent, alliaceous odor, and a bitter alliaceous acrid taste. Solubility. — Partly 
in Ether and Alcohol.] Resembling Asafetida. — Galbanum, Ammoniacum, 
and Benzoin, distinguished by their peculiar odors, which differ markedly from 
that of Asafetida. 



VOLATILE OILS. 531 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) A volatile oil, 3 to 9 per 
cent., the most important ingredient of which is AUyl sulphide {see p. 427). 
This gives Asafetida its very unpleasant odor. (2) Gum, 20 to 30 per cent 
(3) Resin, 45 to 70 per cent., [which contains Ferulaic Acid, C 10 H 10 O 4 .] 

Impurities. — Earthy matter [or Calcium Sulphate and Carbonate, and 
sand.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Emulsum Asafcetidae. — Emulsion of Asafetida. Synonyms. 
— Mistura Asafoetidae. Milk of Asafetida. Asafetida, 40 ; bv rubbing 
in a warmed mortar with Water, and straining to 1 000. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. oz, ; 15. to 30. c.c. 

2. Pilulae Aloes et Asafcetidae. — See Aloes, p. 469. 

3. Pilulae Asafcetidae. — Pills of Asafetida. Asafetida, 20; 
Soap, 60 gm. ; to make ioo pills. Each pill contains 3 gr. ; .20 gm. 
of Asafetida. 

Dose, 1 to 4 pills. 

4. Tinctura Asafcetidae. — Tincture of Asafetida. Asafetida, 
200. By maceration with Alcohol, and filtration to 1 000. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Asafetida. 
Both internally and externally, asafetida, in virtue of its vola- 
tile oil, acts like volatile oils generally. Its action as a stimulant 
to the intestinal muscle is especially well marked, hence it is com- 
bined with aloes in Pilulae Aloes et Asafcetidae ; and the enema, 
[B. P., 1 to 64 of water,] will relieve flatus. Owing to its con- 
taining [allyl sulphide] it is extremely [unpleasant], and therefore it 
is not, like many volatile oils, available as a condiment. Its taste 
is credited with some mental effect in cases of hysteria. 

Therapeutics of Asafetida. 
Asafetida is not used externally. Internally it is prescribed 
to aid the action of other purgatives, and also to stimulate the 
muscular coat to expel flatus. It may be given by the mouth or 
as the enema. Partly on account of its reflex stimulating effect, 
but also on account of its very [unpleasant] taste, it is used to 
control hysteria, emotional, and other mental disturbances, but 
it often fails. For this purpose it may be combined with vale- 
rian. Cases of malingering may sometimes be cured by making 



532 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the patient take, three times a day, an effervescing draught con- 
taining a few [drops] of each of the tinctures of valeriau and asafe- 
tida. The effervescence makes the [unpleasant] taste of these 
medicines "repeat" in the mouth for some time after taking 
them. Asafetida oil would in the course of its excretion disin- 
fect the urine and the expectoration, but its smell forbids its use 

for these purposes. 

GALBANUM. 

GALBANUM. [B. P., not official.] — A green resin obtained from 
Ferula galbanifl.ua, Ferula rubricaulis (nat. ord. Umbelliferce), and probably 
other species. \_Habitat. — Persia and the Levant. 

Characters. — Tears or masses of agglutinated tears. Tears roundish, 
about the size of a pea, yellowish-brown or yellowish -green. Translucent, 
rough, and dirty. Hard and brittle in the cold, softening with heat and be- 
coming sticky. Masses contain pieces of root, stem, etc. They are hard, 
compact yellowish-brown. Odor peculiar, aromatic. Taste bitter, unpleas- 
ant. Resembling Galbanum. — Ammoniacum, Asafcetida, and Benzoin ; known 
by their different odors. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Volatile oil, C 10 H 16 , 6 to 
9 per cent., isomeric with Turpentine. (2) A resin, 60 to 66 per cent. (3) 
Gum, 15 to 25 per cent. (4) Umbelliferone, [C 9 H 6 3 in acicular crystals]. 

Action and Therapeutics of Galbanum. 
Galbanum acts like other substances containing volatile oils ; 
it is usually combined with ammoniacum or asafetida. It is used 
externally as a plaster [B. P., Galbanum, 1; ammoniacum, 1; 
yellow wax, 1 ; lead plaster, 8.] for its irritant effect, to aid the 
absorption of old inflammatory products, and internally it is given 
with asafetida as a carminative. 

AMMONIACUM. 

AMMONIAC. — A gum-resin [obtained from Dorema Ammoniacum 
Don (nat. ord. Umbelliferce'). Habitat. — Eastern Persia and Turkestan. 

Characters. — In roundish tears, from 2 to 6 mm. or more in diameter; 
externally pale yellowish-brown, internally milk-white, brittle when cold, and 
breaking with a flat, conchoidal, and waxy fracture; or the tears are super- 
ficially united into irregular masses without any intervening, dark-colored 
substance. It has a peculiar odor, and a bitter, acrid and nauseous taste.] 
Resembling Ammoniacum. — Asafcetida, Galbanum, Benzoin, known by their 
odor. 



VOLATILE OILS. 533 

Composition. — The chief ingredients are — (i) Volatile oil, ij^ to 4 per 
cent. (2) Resin, 70 per cent. (3) Gum, 18 to 28 per cent. 
Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. — \_See Mer- 
cury, p. 199. 

2. Emulsum Ammoniaci. — Emulsion of Ammoniac. Ammo- 
niac, 40 ; water added gradually to 1000. It forms a milk-like emul- 
sion. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ammoniacum. 
The action of ammoniacum is precisely the same as that of 
volatile oils generally. It is employed externally to aid, by its 
mildly irritating effects, the absorption of chronic inflammatory 
products, and internally in chronic bronchitis with offensive 
expectoration for the sake of the remote disinfectant expectorant 
effect that it has, in the course of its excretion through the 
bronchial mucous membrane. 

MYRRHA. 

MYRRH. — A gum-resin [obtained from Commiphora Myrrha (Nees) 
Engler (nat. ord. Burseracece). Habitat. — Eastern Africa and Southwestern 
Arabia. 

Characters. — In roundish or irregular tears or masses, brownish-yellow 
or reddish-brown ; fracture waxy, somewhat splintery, translucent on the edges, 
sometimes marked with whitish veins ; odor balsamic ; taste aromatic, bitter 
and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Myrrhin [C 48 H 32 O 10 ], a 
resin, 25 to 40 per cent. (2) Myrrhol, C 10 H u O, a volatile oil, 2 [to 4] per 
cent. (3) Gum, 40 to 60 per cent. (4) A bitter principle. 

Impurities. — Many varieties of gum and gum-resins. 

\_Myrrh is contained in Mistura Ferri Composita and Pilulae Rhei Com- 
positse. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Myrrhae. — [Tincture of Myrrh. Myrrh, 200; by 
maceration with Alcohol and filtration to 1 000. 

Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae. — See Aloes, p. 470. 

3. Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhae. — See Aloes, p. 469]. 



oo I ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Action of Myrrh. 

External. — Both externally and internally, myrrh has the 
same action as other substances containing a volatile oil. It is a 
mild disinfectant, and a stimulant to sores and ulcers. 

Internal. — It has the same effect in the mouth. It is a 
stomachic carminative, exciting the appetite, the flow of 
gastric juice, and the vascularity and peristalsis of the stomach 
and intestines. The number of leucocytes in the blood is said 
to be increased by the administration of myrrh. It is excreted by 
mucous membranes, especially the genito-urinary and the bron- 
chial, and it stimulates and disinfects their secretions in its pass- 
age through them. Thus it becomes an expectorant, a uterine 
stimulant, and an emmenagogue. 

Therapeutics of Myrrh. 

External. — Occasionally myrrh has been employed as a 
stimulant to sores and ulcers. 

Internal — It is, in the form of the tincture diffused through 
water [i to 16], used as a mouth-wash and gargle for sore spongy 
gums, relaxed throat, and other similar conditions, for which it 
is often combined with borax, as in the following formula: — 
Myrrh, i; eau de Cologne, 16; borax, i; water, 3; syrup, 3. 
It is frequently given with purgatives for the sake of its carmina- 
tive and stomachic properties. It is also commonly combined 
with iron when this drug is given for anaemia, but the reason for 
this is not clear. It is prescribed for amenorrhcea, and has been 
given for cystitis, and as a disinfectant expectorant for chronic 
bronchitis. 

Class IV.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE BRONCHIAL MUCOUS MEMBRANE. 

BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM. 

BALSAM OF PERU.— A balsam [obtained from Toluifera Pereira 
(Royle) Baillon (nat. ord. Leguminosce) . It is obtained from the bark after 
it has beaten, scorched and removed. Habitat. — Central America. Balsam of 
Peru is named from its place of export. 

Characters. — A liquid having a syrupy consistence, free from stringi- 
ness or stickiness, of a brownish-black color in bulk, reddish-brown and trans- 



VOLATILE OILS. 535 

parent in thin layers, of an agreeable vanilla like, somewhat smoky odor, and 
a bitter taste, leaving a persistent after-taste. On exposure to air it does not 
become hard. Sp. gr., 1.135 to 1.150. Solubility. — Miscible, in all propor- 
tions, with absolute Alcohol, Chloroform, or Glacial Acetic Acid ; only par- 
tially soluble in Ether or Benzin. It is completely soluble in 5 parts of 
Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil. This is 
present in large quantities ; it consists of Cinnani[ein (Benzylic Cinnamate), 
C 9 H 7 (C v H 7 )0 2 , about 60 per cent. (2) Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 . (3) Resin, 
about 32 per cent., which on dry distillation yields Benzoic Acid, HC t H 5 2 . 
Small quantities of (4) Benzylic Benzoate, C t H 5 (C t H t )0 2 , (5) Benzyl Alcohol, 
C 7 H 8 0, (6) Stilbene, C U H 12 , (7) Styrol, C 8 H 8 , and (8) Styracin or Cinnamyl 
Cinnamate, C 9 H 7 (C 9 H 9 )0 2 . 

Impurities. — Fixed oils, resins, oleoresins and alcohol.] 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; [.60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Balsam of Peru. 

External. — Like most substances containing a volatile oil, 
balsam of Peru is a disinfectant, and also a stimulant when rubbed 
into the skin or applied to raw surfaces. Formerly it was much 
used for these purposes, chiefly as an application to indolent sores 
and chronic eczema. [As a stimulating dressing for sluggish 
granulations a 5 to 10 per cent, solution in castor oil is frequently 
employed.] A mixture of balsam of Peru, 1 ; lard, 7 ; is 
very useful for sore nipples and cracked lips. It is employed 
externally as antiparasitic for pediculi, scabies and ringworm. 
An ointment consisting of balsam of Peru, 20 ; olive oil, 50 ; 
[petrolatum], 100; may be used. For scabies it should be 
applied in the way already described for sulphur ointment ; it is 
a more agreeable preparation. 

Internal. — Like most volatile oils it is carminative and 
stomachic, and after absorption is excreted by, and stimulates 
and disinfects the mucous membranes. For this reason it is used 
as an expectorant in chronic bronchitis. It is also excreted 
by the skin and the kidneys. 

BALSAM TOLUTANUM. 
BALSAM OF TOLU.-A balsam [obtained from Toluifera Balsa- 
mum Linne (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat — Venezuela and New Granada. 
Characters. — A yellowish-brown, semi-fluid or nearly solid mass, 



536 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

becoming more brittle when exposed to cold, transparent in thin layers, having 
an agreeable odor recalling that of Vanilla, but distinct from it, and a mild, 
aromatic taste. Solubility. — Readily and completely soluble in Alcohol. 
Also completely soluble in Chloroform, and in solutions of the fixed alkalies ; 
almost completely soluble in Ether, but nearly insoluble in water, Benzin, or 
Carbon Disulphide.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Toluene, C 10 H 16 , [i per 
cent., a thin, colorless, aromatic oil. (2) Benzylic Benzoate, C 7 H 5 (C 7 H 7 )0 2 , a 
colorless, aromatic oil. (3) Benzylic Cinnamate, C 9 H 7 (C 7 H 7 )0 2 . (4) Ben- 
zoic Acid, HC 7 H 5 2 . (5) Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 . (6) Resins. 

Impurities. — Turpentine, storax, sweet gum, and resins. 

Balsam of Tolu is contained in Tinctura Benzoini Composita. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Preparations. 

1. Syrupus Tolutanus. — [Syrup of Tolu. Balsam of Tolu, 10 ; 
Alcohol, 50 ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50 ; Sugar, 850 ; Water 
to 1000. By solution and filtration. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Tolutana. — Tincture of Tolu. Balsam of Tolu, 
100. By maceration with Alcohol and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Balsam of Tolu. 

Although it has an action in all respects similar to that of 

balsam of Peru, it is only used as an expectorant in cough 

mixtures. 

STYRAX. 

STORAX. — [A balsam prepared from the inner bark of Liquidambar 
orientalis Miller (nat. ord. Ha7namelacece). Habitat. — Asia Minor. 

Characters. — A semi liquid, gray, sticky, opaque mass, depositing on 
standing a heavier, dark-brown stratum; transparent in thin layers, and having 
an agreeable odor and a balsamic taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water, but 
completely soluble in an equal weight of warm Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Styrol, C 8 H 8 , or Cinna- 
mene, a volatile oil. (2) Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 , colorless, odorless, crystalline ; 
this can be oxidized to Benzoic Acid, and is also found in Cinnamon, and Bal- 
sams of Tolu and Peru. (3) Styracin, or Cinnamyl Cinnamate, C 9 H 7 (C 9 H 9 )0 2 ^ 
(4) Phenylpropyl Cinnamate, C 9 H 7 (C 9 H n )0 2 . (5) Ethyl Cinnamate, C 9 H 7 
(GjH^Ojj. (6) Sloresin f C 36 H 58 3 , in considerable quantity. (7) Vanillin, 
having a fragrant odor.] 

Storax is contained in Tinctura Benzoini Composita. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 



volatile oils. 537 

Action and Therapeutics of Storax. 

Storax has the same action as balsams of Tolu and Peru and 
benzoin, and may be employed for the same purposes. It is not 
often given internally except in the compound tincture of ben- 
zoin. Mixed with an equal part of olive oil it may be used to 
kill the \_Sar copies scabief\ and pediculi 

OLEUM PINI SYLVESTRIS. 

FIR- WOOD OIL. [B. P., not official.]— The oil is distilled from the 
fresh leaves of Pinus Sylvestris (nat. ord, Coniferce). [Habitat. — Russia.] 

Characters. — Almost colorless. Odor aromatic. Taste pungent. Sp. 
gr., 0.870. Solubility. — In 7 [parts] of Alcohol. 

Composition — The same as that of Oil of Turpentine. 

Preparation. 

Vapor Olei Pini Sylvestris. [B. P., not official.] — [Vapor of 
Fir- Wood Oil.] Fir-Wood Oil, 2; rub with Magnesium Carbonate, 
I ; add Water, 24. Put I [fl. dr. ; 4. c. c] of this in half a pint [240. 
c. c] of cold and half a pint [240. c. c] of boiling water, in a vessel so 
arranged that air, drawn through the liquid, can be inhaled. 

Action and Therapeutics of Fir-wood Oil. 
The action of fir-wood oil is the same as that of oil of turpen- 
tine {see p. 486). But it is pleasanter to inhale, and forms a use- 
ful, stimulating, disinfectant, expectorant inhalation in chronic 

bronchitis or laryngitis. 

GRINDELIA. 

GRINDELIA. — [The leaves and flowering tops of Grindelia robusta 
Nuttall, and of Grindelia squarrosa Dunal (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat — 

(1) G. robusta, North America, west of the Rocky Mountains, in salt marshes. 

(2) G. squarrosa, Western Plains to the Sierra Nevada and south to Texas. 

Characters. — Leaves about 5 cm. or less long, varying from broadly 
spatulate or oblong to lanceolate, sessile or clasping, obtuse, more or less 
sharply serrate, often spinosely toothed, or even lacinate-pinnatifid, pale green, 
smooth, finely dotted, thickish, brittle; heads many-flowered, subglobular or 
somewhat conical; the involucre hemispherical, about 10 mm. broad, com- 
posed of numerous imbricated, squarrosely-tipped or spreading scales; ray- 
florets yellow, ligulate, pistillate; disk-florets yellow, tubular, perfect; pappus 
consisting of two or three awns of the length of the disk -florets ; odor-balsamic, 
taste pungently aromatic and bitter. 



538 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) A volatile oil. (2) A 
resin, resembling Saponin in its action. (3) A peculiar glucoside. (4) Proba- 
bly an alkaloid, Grindeline. 

Dose, % to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Grindeliae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Grindelia 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, X to x A- dr. ; 1. to 4. c. c ] 

Action and Therapeutics of Grindelia. 

In small doses, grindelia is a mild stomachic and cardiac 
sedative, but its main action depends upon the fact that in its 
excretion by the bronchial mucous membrane it acts as an expec- 
torant, and also relaxes the muscular coat of the bronchial tubes, 
and this explains its efficacy in the symptom asthma. Two or 
three doses of twenty minims; [1.20 c. c], of the fluid extract 
in milk, which prevents precipitation of the resin, given every 
twenty minutes, will often allay the paroxysms of asthma. 
Between the attacks, this dose should be taken three times daily. 
The same quantity may with advantage be added to mixtures 
prescribed for chronic bronchitis, for not only is grindelia an 
expectorant, but it relieves the asthmatic paroxysms which so 
frequently accompany bronchitis. It is very bitter ; its taste is 
best concealed by Spiritus Chloroformi. Linen soaked in a 
lotion of the fluid extract in water, 1 to 48, is applied to the skin 
for the dermatitis caused by Rhus toxicodendron, the poison ivy. 
The same lotion is used in burns and as an injection in gleet and 
leucorrhcea. 

Class V.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 
THE KIDNEYS AND GENITO-URINARY TRACT. 

OLEUM JUNIPERI. 

OIL OF JUNIPER.— A volatile oil distilled [from the fruit (berry) of 
Juniperus communis Linne (nat. ord. Conifertz). Habitat. — North America 
throughout Canada, the Northern United States, and in the Rocky Mountains 
south to New Mexico. 

Characters. — A colorless or faintly greenish-yellow liquid, becoming 
darker and thicker by age and exposure to air, having the characteristic odor 



VOLATILE OILS. 539 

of Juniper, and a warm, aromatic, somewhat terebinthinate and bitterish taste. 
Sp. gr., 0.850 to 0.890. Solubility. — In about 4 times its volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — Oil of Juniper is a Terpene, C 10 H 16 , isomeric with Oil of 
Turpentine. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; [.12 to .60 c. c] 

Preparations, 

1. Spiritus Juniperi. — [Spirit of Juniper. Oil of Juniper, 50; 
Alcohol, 950. 

Dose, 30 to 60 m. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Spirit us Juniperi Compositus. — Compound Spirit of Juniper, 
Oil of Juniper, 8; Oil of Caraway, 1 ; Oil of Fennel, I ; Alcohol, 1400; 
Water to 2000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action of Oil of Juniper. 
Oil of juniper has much the same action as oil of turpentine ; 
but it is not so liable to upset the digestion ; and although it is a 
powerful renal stimulant and diuretic, it does not easily cause 
hematuria and albuminuria. [Because of its antiseptic properties 
it is employed for the preservation of cat-gut.] 

Therapeutics of Oil of Juniper. 

Internal. — Occasionally it is given as a pleasant carmina- 
tive and stomachic, but its main use is as a diuretic in heart 
disease, hepatic ascites, and chronic Bright' s disease. It must 
not be given in the acute form, and should always be com- 
bined with other diuretics. It certainly markedly increases the 
quantity of the urine, which it causes to smell like violets. As 
[it is] a constituent of Holland and [other] gins these are good 
forms of alcohol for persons suffering from the above diseases. 

BUCHU. 

BUCHU. — Synonym. — Bucco. The Leaves of Barosnm betulina 
[(Thunberg) Bartling et Wendland, and Barosma crenulata (Linne) Hooker 
(nat. ord. Rutacea). Habtitat. — Southern Africa. 

Characters. — About 15 mm. long, roundish -obovate, with a rather 
wedge-shaped base, or varying between oval and obovate, obtuse, crenate or 
serrate, with a gland at the base of each tooth, dull yellowish-green, thickish, 
pellucid -punctate; odor and taste strongly aromatic, somewhat mint-like, pun- 



540 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

gent and bitterish.] Resembling Buchu. — Senna and Uva Ursi, which have 
entire leaves. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) A volatile oil, [(2) A 
stearopten {Diosphenol, C 10 H 16 O 2 )] in solution in a liquefied hydrocarbon. The 
stearopten is deposited on exposure to air. (3) A [glucoside Barosmin, soluble 
in alcohol (scarcely so, if cold) and in ether, volatile oils, dilute acids and 
alkalies. (4) Rutin, a bitter principle. (5) Mucilage. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm.] 

Preparation. 
[Extractum Buchu Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Buchu. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 15 to 30 m. ; 1. to 2. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Buchu. 

A medicinal dose of buchu causes a slight feeling of warmth 
in the stomach, and a large one gives rise to vomiting. The 
volatile oil diffuses into the blood and is excreted by the bron- 
chial mucous membrane, which it stimulates, and buchu is there- 
fore occasionally given as an expectorant. Most of the oil is 
excreted by the kidney, which is also stimulated, and thus buchu 
is a mild diuretic. In the process of excretion it gives a 
peculiar odor to the urine, and acts as an astringent and disin- 
fectant to the urinary tract, especially the bladder. It has 
consequently been administered for cystitis, irritable bladder, 
pyelitis, gonorrhoea, etc. Large doses continued for a long time 
are said to damage the kidney. The infusion [B. P., 1 to 20, 
dose 1 to 4 fl oz., 30. to 120. c.c] contains very little of the oil. 
The fluid extract does not mix well with water on account of the 
oil in it. The action of the buchu is much the same as that of 
pareira, but it is pleasanter to take, and is a good vehicle for 

diuretics. 

COPAIBA. 

COPAIBA. — Synonyms. — Copaiva. [Balsam of Copaiba. (This is not 
a true balsam because it does not contain cinnamic or benzoic acid). The oleo- 
resin of Copaiba Langsdorffii (Desfontaines) O. Kuntze, and of other species 
of Copaiba (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Brazil, Venezuela and New 
Grenada, 

Characters.— A transparent or translucent, more or less viscid liquid, of 
a pale yellow to brownish-yellow color, having a peculiar, aromatic odor, and 



VOLATILE OILS. 541 

a bitter acrid taste. Sp. gr., 0.940 to 0.990, Solubility. — Insoluble in water; 
readily soluble in absolute Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, 
Benzin, and fixed and volatile oils] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The volatile oil (see 
below). (2) The Resin, which exists dissolved in the oil. It is a yellowish mass 
consisting of two Resins : (a) Copaivic Acid, [C 20 H 30 O 22 ,] the chief constituent, 
a crystalline Resin, with a faint odor, a bitter taste, insoluble in water, easily 
soluble in absolute Alcohol and Ammonia; (b) a non-crystallizable, viscid 
Resin, 1^ per cent. 

Impurities. — Turpentine, detected by the smell on heating. Fixed oils; 
these leave a greasy ring round the resinous stain when heated on paper. 
Gurjun Balsam, which coagulates at 270 F. ; I32 C. ; Copaiba does not. 

Dose, X to 1 fl. dr. ; [1. to 4. ex.] 

Preparation. 

[Massa Copaibse. — Mass of Copaiba. Synonym, — Solidified 
Copaiba. Copaiba, 94 ; Magnesia, 6> By trituration with water, and 
heating. 

Dose, ]^ to 1 dr ; 1. to 4. gm.] 

OLEUM COPAIBA— [Oil of Copaiba.] A volatile oil distilled from 
Copaiba. 

Characters. — [A colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the charac- 
teristic odor of Copaiba, and an aromatic, bitterish and pungent taste, It is 
isomeric with Turpentine, C 10 H 16 „ Sp. gr. , 0.890 to 0.910. Solubility, — In 
about 10 times its volume of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; [.30 to i.eo c.c] suspended in Mucilage of Acacia 
(i}4 A. oz - [45. c.c] for every fl. oz. [30. c.c] of Oil of Copaiba) or yolk of 
egg. Cinnamon or Peppermint Water, with Tincture of Orange or Ginger, 
covers the taste. It may be dissolved in Alcohol and in water with the aid of 
Liquor Potassse, with which it forms a soap, or it may be given in capsules. 

[RESINA COPAIBA.— Resin of Copaiba. The residue left after 
distilling off the volatile oil from Copaiba. 

Characters. — A yellowish or brownish-yellow, brittle resin, having a 
slight odor and taste of Copaiba. Solubility. — In Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, 
Carbon Disulphide, Benzol, or Amylic Alcohol. 

Dose 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action of Copaiba. 

External. — Copaiba is a stimulant to the skin. 
Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — It acts like other volatile 
oils. Small doses produce a feeling of warmth in the epigastrium ; 



542 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

but with large doses its irritant effect leads to vomiting and diar- 
rhoea. Its taste is [unpleasant], and the eructations it may cause 
are very disagreeable. 

Mucous membrane. — Here also it acts like other volatile oils. 
It is quickly absorbed, and then is excreted by all the mucous 
membranes, which it stimulates in its passage through them, in- 
creasing their vascularity and the amount of their secretion, which, 
if foul, is disinfected. Because of these actions it is a disinfectant 
expectorant, and a stimulating disinfectant to the whole of 
the genito-urinary tract. It imparts a powerful odor to the 
breath and mucous secretions. It is also excreted by the skin, 
and its irritant effect here is seen in the erythematous rash it 
often produces. 

Kidneys. — Copaiba has a more marked action on the kidneys 
than most substances containing volatile oils, and this is in great 
part due to the resin, which is particularly stimulating to the renal 
organs, and copaiba is therefore a useful diuretic. Large doses 
of it greatly irritate the kidney, as is shown by pain in the loins 
and blood and albumin in the urine. The resin itself is excreted 
in the urine, and can be [precipitated] from it by nitric acid ; 
but this precipitate is known not to be albumin by the fact that 
it is evenly distributed through the fluid and is dissolved by heat. 
[It also leads to confusion when Trommer's test is employed to 
detect glucose.] If the renal congestion is severe, the urine may 
be very scanty. 

Therapeutics of Copaiba. 

Internal. — Genito-urinary tract. — Copaiba, or more usually 
its oil, is largely used to stimulate and disinfect this part of the 
body in cases of pyelitis, vaginitis, and gonorrhoea. It is often 
prescribed for this last disease, and is best given when the acute 
symptoms have subsided, otherwise it may increase them. 

Kidneys. — The resin which remains after distillation of the 
oil from copaiba is an admirable diuretic for hepatic and cardiac 
dropsy, but because of its liability to irritate the kidneys should 
not be given in Bright's disease. After a time patients seem to 
become accustomed to it, for the diuresis is not so marked as at 
first. It is [disagreeable] and difficult to make palatable. Fif- 



VOLATILE OILS. 543 

teen grains [i. gm.] of the resin with 20 minims [1.20 c. c] of 
alcohol, 15 grains [1. gm.] of tragacanth to suspend it, and a fluid 
drachm [4. c. c] of syrup of ginger in an ounce [30. c. c] of water 
may be given for a dose. 

Bronchial mucous membrane. — Copaiba is occasionally used 
as a disinfectant expectorant when the secretion is very foul — as, 
for example, when the bronchial tubes are dilated. 

Skin. — Copaiba has been given in chronic skin diseases, as 
psoriasis, for the cutaneous stimulation caused by it, but it is now 
quite discarded. 

The reasons why it is rarely used except in gonorrhoea, for 
which it would not be employed if it had not such a strongly 
marked beneficial action, are that the smell of the breath of 
those taking it is very disagreeable, it is very [unpleasant] to the 
taste, and often causes indigestion. 

[OLEUM THYMI. 

OIL OF THYME.— A volatile oil distilled from the leaves and 
flowering tops of Thymus vulgaris Linne (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — 
Southern France. 

Characters. — A yellowish or yellowish-red liquid, having a strong odor 
of Thyme, and an aromatic, pungent, afterwards cooling taste. It becomes 
darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 0.900 to 0.930. 

Solubility. — In half its volume of Alcohol, forming a clear solution, 
which is neutral or only very slightly acrid to litmus paper. Also soluble in 
all proportions, in Carbon Bisulphide, and in Glacial Acetic Acid. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are the hydrocarbons — (1) Cymene y 
C ioH u . (2) Tkymene, C 10 H 16 . 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c. 

Action and Uses of the Oil of Thyme. 

Its action is similar to that of copaiba. The chief use of oil 
of thyme is as a source of thymol. It has been employed in 
the treatment of bronchitis, gonorrhoea, gleet, leucorrhoea, and 
vesical catarrh. 

CUBEBA. 
CUBEB. — The unripe fruit of Piper Cubeba [Linne filius (nat. ord. 
Piper acece). Habitat. — Java; cultivated. 

Characters. — Globular, about 4 or 5 mm. in diameter, contracted at the 



544 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

base into a rounded stipe about 6 or 8 mm. long, reticulately wrinkled, 
blackish gray, internally whitish and hollow; odor strong, spicy; taste aro- 
matic and pungent.] Resembling Cub eb. — Pepper and Pimenta; neither has 
a stalk. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — ( i ) The volatile oil [5 to] 
15 percent, [see below). (2) The Oleoresin, 6 per cent, [see below), which 
contains Cubebin, a white, crystalline, odorless substance and Cubebic Acid. 

Dose, 30 to 60 gr. j [2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparations. 
[1. Extractum Cubebae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cubeb. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Oleoresina Cubebae. — Oleoresin of Cubeb. 

Source. — By percolation with Ether; distil off, and evaporate the 
Ether. 

Oleoresin of Cubeb is used to make Trochisci Cubebae. 
Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c. c. 

3. Tinctura Cubebae. — Tincture of Cubeb. Cubeb, 200. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, ^ to 3 fl. dr. ; 2. to 12. c.c. 

4. Trochisci Cubebae. — Troches of Cubeb. Oleoresin of Cubeb, 
4; Oil of Sassafras, I; Extract of Glycyrrhiza, 25; Acacia, 12 gm. ; 
Syrup of Tolu, sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. Each troche 
contains % m. ; .04 c.c, of the Oleoresin,] 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches. 

OLEUM CUBEBiE.- Oil of Cubeb. A volatile oil distilled from 
Cubeb. 

Characters. — A colorless, [pale greenish, or yellowish liquid, having 
the characteristic odor of Cubeb, and a warm, camphoraceous, aromatic taste. 
Sp. gr., about 0.920. Solubility. — Soluble in an equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cubeb Camphor, [C 15 
H 26 0,] a Stearopten. (2) Two oils, C 15 H 24 . (3) A small amount of a 
Terpene. 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; [.30 to 1.20 c.c] suspended in Mucilage. 

Action of Cubeb. 

External. — Like other substances containing a volatile oil, 
cubeb is rubefacient when rubbed into the skin. 

Internal. — Small doses are stomachic and carminative, and 



VOLATILE OILS. 545 

improve digestion, but moderate doses are very liable to cause 
dyspepsia. Cubeb enters the blood, and, like many volatile oils, 
slightly stimulates the heart, and also excites the organs through 
which it is excreted. Occasionally, therefore, it causes an erythe- 
matous eruption on the skin ; it increases and disinfects the 
bronchial secretion, and is consequently an expectorant ; but its 
main action is on the genito-urinary passages, the mucous 
membrane of which is powerfully stimulated, and the secretions 
of which are disinfected. The kidneys are also irritated, hence 
cubeb is a diuretic. It appears in the urine in a form (probably 
as a salt of cubebic acid) which may be precipitated by nitric 
acid. 

Therapeutics of Cubeb. 

It is sometimes employed as [troches], or as a powder, or as the 
smoke of cubeb cigarettes, to stimulate the mucous membrane in 
cases of slight bronchitis, chronic sore throat, or follicular pharyn- 
gitis. Chronic nasal catarrh and hay-fever have been treated by 
insufflations of the powder. [The symptom] asthma is sometimes 
relieved by the cigarettes. Many popular bronchial troches con- 
tain cubeb ; in them it exercises its expectorant action. Cubeb 
is rarely used as a stomachic or cardiac stimulant, because it is so 
liable to upset digestion ; but as it is less likely to do so than 
copaiba, is a little pleasanter to take, and is almost as powerful a 
stimulant to the genito-urinary mucous membrane ; it is largely 
used in gleet, gonorrhoea, and chronic cystitis. 

OLEUM SANTALI. 

OIL OF SANTAL.- Synonym.— [Oil of Sandal Wood. A volatile oil 
distilled from the wood of Santalum album Linne (nat. ord. Santalacece). 
Habitat, — Southern India. 

Characters. — A pale yellowish or yellow, somewhat thickish liquid, 
having a peculiar, strongly aromatic odor, and a pungent, spicy taste. Sp. gr., 
0.970 to 0.978. It deviates polarized light to the left: distinction from 
Australian (Sp. gr., 0.953) and West Indian (Sp. gr., 0.965) Sandal 
Wood Oil, which deviate polarized light to the right. Solubility. — Readily in 
Alcohol. 

Composition. — (1) Santalol, C 15 H 26 0. (2) Santalal, C 15 H 24 0.] 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; [.12 to .60 c.c] 
35 



546 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Santal. 

The action of the oil of santal is the same as that of volatile 
oils in general, but, like that of the oils of copaiba and cubeb, 
it is especially manifested in the genito-urinary mucous 
membranes, which are stimulated and disinfected. The 
drug is used in gonorrhoea and gleet. [It is best administered in 
capsules, or in an emulsion.] It is pleasanter than copaiba, but 
more expensive. It appears in the urine half an hour after 
administration. Some of it is excreted by the bronchial mucous 
membrane ; it is, therefore, a stimulating disinfectant expecto- 
rant Two or three drops on sugar will frequently relieve the 
hacking cough so often met with when but little sputum is 

expectorated. 

MATICO. 

MATICO. — The leaves of Piper angustifolium [Ruiz et Pavoa (nat. 
ord. Piperacece). Habitat. — Tropical America. 

Characters. — From 10 to 15 cm. long, short petiolate, oblong-lanceolate, 
apex pointed, base unequally heart-shaped, margin very finely crenulate, tessel- 
lated above, reticulate beneath, the meshes small, and the veins densely brown- 
ish-hairy; aromatic, spicy and bitterish.] Resei?ibling Matico leaves. — Digitalis 
leaves, which are less deeply reticulated. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) "Volatile oil, \2% per 
cent. (2) A pungent resin. (3) A bitter principle. (4) Artanthic Acid. 
(5) Tannic acid. 

Dose, ]/ z to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Matico Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Matico. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Matico. — Tincture of Matico. Matico 100, by 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1 000. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 1 fl. oz. ; 15. to 30. c.c. 



Action and Therapeutics of Matico. 

The volatile oil of matico probably has much the same action 

as that of cubeb, influencing chiefly the genito-urinary passages. 

It has been given for the same cases, but is rarely used.] The 

leaves are sometimes placed upon a bleeding surface. Their 



VOLATILE OILS. 547 

numerous hairs promote the clotting of the blood, and thus they 

are haemostatic. 

[DAMIANA. 

D AMI AN A. (Not official.) — The leaves of several plants, principally 
Bigelovia veneta Gray and Turnera microphylla De Candolle, var., aphro- 
disiaca (nat. ord. Turneracece). Habitat. — Western North America. 

Composition. — The chief constituents of the last as given by Rantzer are 
— (i) A volatile oil, I per cent., amber-colored, having an aromatic odor, and 
a warm camphoraceous taste. (2) Tannic acid. (3) Two resins. 

Dose, yi to 1 oz.; 15. to 30. gm. 

Action and Uses of Damiana. / 

Damiana has enjoyed considerable reputation as a remedy for 
sexual atony. Some observers believe it to be only tonic. ' It is 
best administered as a fluid extract, in the dose of j4 fl. dr., 2. c.c] 

Class VI.— THOSE USED CHIEFLY FOR THEIR ACTION ON 

THE FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS. 

SABINA. 

SAVIN[E. — The tops of Juniperus Sabina Linne (nat. ord. Conifercz). 
Habitat. — Siberia, Europe, Canada and Northern United States. 

Characters.— Short, thin, subquadrangular branchlets; leaves rather 
dark green, in four rows, opposite, scale-like, ovate-lanceolate, more or less 
acute, appressed, imbricated on the back with a shallow groove containing an 
oblong or roundish gland ; odor peculiar, terebinthinate ; taste nauseous, resin- 
ous and bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituent is the volatile oil {see below), about 
2 per cent. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; [.30 to 1.00 gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Sabinae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Savine. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 15 m.; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

OLEUM SABINAE.— [Oil of Savin* A volatile oil distilled from 
Savine. 

Characters. — A colorless or yellowish liquid, having a peculiar terebin- 
thinate odor, and a pungent, bitterish and camphoraceous taste. It becomes 
darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 0.910 to 0.940. 
Solubility. — Soluble in equal volume of Alcohol.] 

Composition. — It contains several terpenes. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; [.p6 to .30 c.c] 



548 organic materia medica. 

Action of Savine. 
[Oil of savine has the same action as oil of turpentine, but it 
is more marked. Thus externally it causes great redness, pain, 
vesication, and even pustulation. Internally it may produce 
severe gastro-intestinal irritation, with vomiting, abdominal pain 
and purging. In its excretion through the kidney and the mu- 
cous membranes of the genito-urinary tract it severely irritates 
them ; thus hsematuria, scanty urine, and pain on micturition may 
follow its use. The point in which the action of oil of savine 
differs from that of the oil of turpentine is that] it powerfully 
irritates the ovaries and uterus, causing hyperaemia of them 
and accelerating menstruation. It also induces contractions of 
the pregnant uterus, and therefore it is an ecbolic. 

Therapeutics of Savine. 
The [cerate made from the fluid extract, i ; in resin cerate, 
4, has been used as a powerful irritant and counter-irritant, and 
internally savine may be given as an emmenagogue; but, on the 
whole, its use is to be discouraged, as it is so liable to cause 
serious gastro-enteritis.] It has often been administered as an 
ecbolic with criminal intent, but it is rarely used in medicine. 

[TANACETUM. 

TANSY. — The leaves and tops of Tanacetu?n vulgare Linne (nat. ord. 
Composite). Habitat. — Asia and Europe; naturalized in North America; 
cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves about 15 cm. long; bipinnatifid, the segments 
oblong, obtuse, serrate, or incised, smooth, dark green and glandular; flower- 
heads corymbose, with an imbricated involucre, a convex, naked recepticle, 
and numerous yellow, tubular florets ; odor strongly aromatic ; taste pungent 
and bitter. 

Composition. — (1) Tanacetin, C 11 H 16 4 , a bitter principle. (2) Volatile 
oil, ^ per cent. (3) Tannic acid. 

Dose, X to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Tansy. 
Tansy possesses the properties of an aromatic bitter, and is an 
irritant narcotic. It has been used as an abortifacient, but is 
dangerous in large doses, several fatal cases having been recorded.] 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 549 

OLEUM RUTiE. 

OIL OF RUE. [B. P. not official.]— The volatile oil distilled from the 
fresh herb of Ruta graveolens (nat. oxA.Rutacea:). [Habitat. — Britain.] 

Characters. — A light yellow oil, becoming brown on keeping. Taste 
bitter. Odor aromatic, disagreeable. [Soluble in an equal weight of Alcohol. 
Sp. gr., about 0.880.] 

Composition. — It is a mixture of several volatile oils. 

Dose, 1 to 4 m.; [.06 to .25 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Oil of Rue. 

[External. — Oil of rue is irritant and vesicant.] 
Internal. — In large doses it is a powerful gastro-intestinal 
irritant. [It is eliminated in, and may be recognized by its odor in 
the urine, breath and perspiration. It is irritant to the kidneys, 
ovaries and uterus, and excites the menstrual flow ; conse- 
quently it is given in amenorrhcea. From its stimulating action 
on the uterus rue has been used as an abortifacient, and fatal cases 
of poisoning from gastro-intestinal irritation have been recorded.] 
It is very rarely given as a medicine. In all points its action 
resembles that of savin [e]. 



GROUP VII. 

Vegetable Bitters. 

All these substances contain a bitter principle which stimulates the functions 
of the stomach. 

Calumba, Canella, [Calamus,] Gentian, Quassia, Cascarilla, Chirata, 
Cusparia, Serpentaria, Cimicifuga, Dandelion, Orange Peel. 

[Calumba, Canella, Calamus, Gentian, Quassia, Chirata, Cusparia and 
Dandelion, do not contain Tannic Acid.] 

CALUMBA. 

CALUMBA. — [Synonym. — Columbo. The root of Jateorrhiza palmata 
(Lamarck) Miers (nat. ord. Menispermacece). Habitat. — Eastern Africa ; cul- 
tivated in some East Indian Islands. 

Characters. — In nearly circular disks, 3 to 6 cm. in diameter, exter- 
nally greenish-brown and wrinkled, internally yellowish or grayish-yellow, 



550 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



depressed in the centre, with a few interrupted circles of projecting wood- 
bundles, distinctly radiate in the outer portion; fracture short, mealy; odor, 
slight ; taste mucilaginous, slightly aromatic, very bitter. ] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Calumbin, C 21 H 22 7 , a 
neutral, bitter principle crystallizing in white needles. (2) Berberine [C 20 
H n N0 4 ], an alkaloid (see p. 453)> giving the yellow color. (3) Calumbic 
acid, [C 21 H 22 6 ]. (4) Starch, 33 per cent. No Tannic Acid is present, so 
Calumba can be prescribed with iron salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations.. 

1. Extractum Calumbse [Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Calumba. 
By maceration and percolation in Alcohol and Water and evaporation.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; [30 to 2.00 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Calumbse. — Tincture of Calumba. Calumba, 100, 
by maceration and percolation in Alcohol and Water to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action of Calumba. 

External. — Calumba is a mild antiseptic and disinfectant. 

Internal. — Mouth. — -Calumba is a typical bitter ; the appe- 
tite is sharpened because the gustatory nerves are stimulated ; 
this reflexly leads to dilatation of the gastric vessels and to an 
increase in the gastric and salivary secretions. 

Stomach. — The effects on the gastric mucous membrane which 
were brought about reflexly by the stimulation of the gustatory 
nerves are further exaggerated by the arrival of the saliva in the 
stomach, and by the direct action of the calumba on it. The 
result is to cause a feeling of hunger, an extra secretion of gastric 
juice and greater vascular dilatation, and all this helps the 
digestion of the food. Peristalsis in the stomach and intestine 
is made slightly more active, and thus calumba is carminative. 

Injected [into] the rectum it is anthelmintic, destroying 
the threadworm. 

Therapeutics of Calumba. 

Calumba is only employed to stimulate the gastric functions 
and improve the appetite in cases of chronic indigestion due to a 
general weakness of action on the part of the stomach. It is thus 
a type of the large class of stomachics. It is especially valuable 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 551 

in that form of dyspepsia in which the stomach participates in 
a general feebleness of all the organs of the body, such as we see 
in anaemia, starvation, convalescence from acute diseases, tuber- 
culosis and general exhaustion. Bitters should never be 
used when there is acute or subacute gastritis, a gastric ulcer or 
pain. They will obviously make all these conditions worse. 
They must not be too concentrated, nor given for too long a time, 
lest they should over-irritate the stomach. They should always, as 
far as possible, be combined with modes of treatment designed 
to relieve the cause of the dyspepsia. Often they are called 
tonics; all that is meant by this is that, as they render the diges- 
tion of food more easy, the general health will improve. Most 
bitters, when given as rectal injections [administered when the 
patient is in the knee-chest position], are anthelmintics for the 
Oxyuris vermicularis. Half a pint [250. ex.] of the infusion 
[B. P., Calumba, 1 ; cold water (to avoid extracting the starch), 
20.] may be thrown [into] the rectum of an adult. 

CANELLA. 

CANELL-ffi CORTEX.— B. P., not official.— [Canella Bark.] The 
bark of Canella alba (nat. ord. Canellacecz) deprived of its corky layer and 
dried. [Habitat.] — South Florida and the Bahamas. 

Characters. — Quills [8 to 20 cm.] long, or flattish pieces. Externally, 
orange-brown or buff, with sometimes remains of corky layer as silver-gray 
patches; whitish internally. Agreeable odor, like Cloves and Cinnamon; 
bitter taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil (1 per 
cent.), consisting of several oils, one of which is identical with Eugenic Acid, 
obtained from Oil of Cloves. (2) A bitter principle, Canellin. No Tannic 
acid is present. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

Action and Uses of Canella. 
Canella is an aromatic bitter stomachic, [not often prescribed.] 

[CALAMUS. 

CALAMUS. — Synonym. — Sweet Flag. The rhizome of Acorus Cal- 
amus Linne (nat. ord, Aroidece). Habitat. — Europe and North America, on 
the banks of streams and ponds. 

Characters. — In sections of various lengths, unpeeled, about 2 cm. 



552 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

broad, subcylindrical, longitudinally wrinkled; on the upper surface marked 
with leaf-scars forming triangles, and on the lower surface with the circular 
scars of the rootlets in wavy lines; externally reddish-brown, somewhat annu- 
late from remnants of leaf- sheaths ; internally whitish, of a spongy texture, break- 
ing with a short, corky fracture, showing numerous oil-cells and scattered wood- 
bundles, the latter crowded within the subcircular endoderm. It has an aromatic 
odor, and a strongly bitter taste. As found in the shops it is generally peeled. 
Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Acorin r C 36 H 60 O 6 , a bitter 
glucoside, as a syrupy, yellow liquid. (2) Volatile oil, I to 2 per cent. (3) 
Calamine, an alkaloid. (4) Choline. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Calami Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Calamus. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 15 to 60 m. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Calamus. 
Sweet flag is a simple bitter and feeble aromatic, and is used 
with advantage in pain or uneasiness in the stomach or bowels 
arising from flatulence, or as an adjuvant to purgative medicines.] 

GENTIANA. 

GENTIAN. The root of Gentiana lutea [Linne (nat. ord. Gentianecz). 
Habitat. Mountains of Central and Southern Europe. 

Characters. — In nearly cylindrical pieces or longitudinal slices, about 
25 mm. thick, the upper portion closely annulate, the lower portion longitudi- 
nally wrinkled ; externally deep yellowish-brown ; internally lighter ; some- 
what flexible and tough when damp ; rather brittle when dry ; fracture uneven ; 
the bark rather thick, separated from the somewhat spongy meditullium by a 
black cambium line ; odor peculiar, faint, more prominent when moistened ; 
taste sweetish and persistently bitter.] 

Composition.; — The chief constituents are — (1) Gentiopicrin, an active, 
very bitter glucoside, soluble in water and Alcohol. Can be split up into 
glucose and Gentiogenin. (2) Gentisic Acid, [C 14 H 10 O 5 , in yellow, tasteless 
needles,] united with Gentiopicrin. (3) A trace of a volatile oil. (4) Gum 
and Sugar. Gentian contains no Tannic acid, but cannot be prescribed with 
iron, because that darkens the coloring matter. 

Incompatibles. — Iron sulphate, silver nitrate, and lead salts. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 
1. Extractum Gentianse. — [Extract of Gentian. By maceration 
and percolation with Water, and evaporation. 
Dose, 2 to 10 gr.; .12 to .60 gm. 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 553 

2. Extractum Gentianse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Gentian. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Gentianse Composita. — Compound Tincture of 
Gentian. Gentian, 100 ; Bitter Orange Peel, 40 ; Cardamom, 10. By 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fi. dr. ; 4. to 15. ex.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Gentian. 
Gentian has the same action as other bitters, such as calumba, 
and is employed for the same class of cases. It is more used 
than any other bitter, because its taste is pleasant and it is not 
astringent. 

QUASSIA. 

QUASSIA. — The wood of Picrcena excelsa [(Swartz) Lindley (nat. ord. 
Simarubece ) . Habitat. — Jamaica. 

Characters. — In billets of various sizes, dense, tough, of medium hard- 
ness, porous, with a minute pith and narrow, medullary rays ; inodorous, and 
intensely bitter. In the shops it is usually met with in the form of chips or 
raspings of a yellowish- white color.] Resembling Quassia. — Sassafras, but 
this is aromatic and not bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Quassi[in, C 10 H 12 O 3 , a 
bitter principle occurring in crystalline rectangular plates.] (2) A volatile oil. 
No Tannic Acid being present Quassia can be prescribed with iron salts. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Quassiae. — [Extract of Quassia. By percolation 
with Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, y z to 3 gr. ; .03 to .20 gm. 

2. Extractum Quassiae Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Quassia. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evapora- 
tion. 

Dose, }( to 1 fl. dr.; 1. to 4. c.c. 

3. Tinctura Quassiae. — Tincture of Quassia. Quassia, 100; by 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1000. 

Dose, % to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Quassia. 
Quassia is an aromatic bitter stomachic, acting in the same way 
as calumba. As it contains no tannic acid it is often prescribed 
with iron. The only objection to it is that some persons find it 



554 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



too bitter. Injected per rectum, it is an excellent anthelmintic 
for Oxyuris vermicularis ; half a pint [250 c. c] of the infusion 
[1 to 80 of cold water to avoid extraction of nauseous princi- 
ples,] may be given for this purpose, [the patient being in the 

knee-chest position.] 

CASCARILLA. 

CASCARILLA.— [The bark of Croton Eluteria Bennett (nat. ord. 
Eufihorbiacecz). Habitat. — Bahama Islands. 

Characters. — In quills or curved pieces about 2 mm. thick, having a 
grayish, somewhat fissured, easily detached, corky layer, more or less coated 
with a white lichen, the uncoated surface being dull brown, and the inner sur- 
face smooth. It breaks with a short fracture, having a resinous and radially 
striate appearance. When burned,, it emits a strong, aromatic, somewhat 
musk-like odor; its taste is warm and very bitter.] Resembling Cascarilla. — 
Pale Cinchona, which is less white, smooth and small. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Casearillin, a bitter, neu- 
tral crystalline substance. (2) Volatile Oil, [1.5 per cent.] (3) Resin. (4) 
Tannic acid. 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids, lime water and metallic salts. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cascarilla. 

Cascarilla, because of its bitter principle cascarillin, like other 

vegetable bitters, improves the digestion, and this stomachic and 

carminative action is aided by the volatile oil in it. It is pleasant 

to take, and is suitable for the same cases as calumba. The 

infusion [1 to 10] will not keep good for more than a day unless 

the tincture [1 to 8] is added to it. Mineral acids precipitate 

the resin from the tincture; therefore the infusion should be 

prescribed with them. 

CHIRATA. 

CHIRATA. — Synonym. — Chiretta. The [entire plant, Swertia Chirata 
Hamilton (nat. ord. Gentianece). Habitat. — Mountains of Northern India. 

Characters. — Root nearly simple, about 7 cm. long; stem branched, 
nearly I meter long, slightly quadrangular above \ containing a narrow wood- 
circle and a large yellowish pith. Leaves opposite, sessile, ovate, entire five- 
nerved. Flowers numerous, small, with a four-lobed calyx and corolla. The 
whole plant smooth, pale brown, inodorous, and intensely bitter.] Resembling 
Chirata. — Lobelia, which is not bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Chiratin, [C 2S H i8 15 ,~] an 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 555 

active, bitter principle, as a yellow, hygroscopic powder. (2) Ophelic Acid, 
[C 13 H 20 O u ,] with which it is combined. No tannic acid is present. 
Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Chiratae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Chirata. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, ]/ z to 1 fi. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Chiratae. — Tincture of Chirata. Chirata, 100; by 
maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 1 000. 

Dose, l / 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. ex.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Chirata. 
Chirata has the same actions and uses as gentian, calumba 
and other bitters. As it contains no tannic acid, it can be given 
with iron. It is more [frequently] used in India. 

CUSPARIA. 

CUSPARIA CORTEX [B. P., not official.]— Cusparia Bark. Syn- 
onym. — Angustura Bark. The bark of Galipea cusparia (nat. ord. Rutacece). 
\_Habitat. — ] Tropical South America. 

Characters. — Flat or curved pieces or quills, [16 cm.] or less long, 
[4 mm.] thick, obliquely cut on the inner edge, Externally a yellowish -gray, 
mottled, corky layer, which can be scraped off, and shows a dark brown 
resinous layer ; inner surface light brown, flaky. Fracture short, resinous, and 
showing, under a lens, white points or lines. Taste bitter, aromatic. Odor 
musty, disagreeable. Resembling Cusparia. — Canella Alba, but this is darker, 
and has pared erlges. 

Impurity.- Bark of Strychnos nux-vomica (false Angustura bark); its 
inner surface gives bright blood-red color with Nitric Acid, showing Brucine ; 
Cusparia does not. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cusparine, or Angustu- 
rine, a crystalline bitter alkaloid. (2) An alkaloid, Galipeine. (3) An 
aromatic oil. It is stated that no Tannic acid is present, but Iron Salts are in- 
compatible with Cusparia. 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids and metallic salts. 

Dose, 10 to 40 gr. ; [.60 to 2.40 grri.] 

Preparation. 

Infusum Cuspariae. [B. P., not official. — Infusion of Cusparia], 
Cusparia, 5; Water at 120 F. ; [48. 8° C] (to avoid extraction of 
nauseous principles), 100. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz.; [30. to 60. c.c.] 



556 organic materia medica. 

Action and Therapeutics of Cusparia. 
Cusparia bark is an aromatic bitter, having a similar action 
to calumba. It is used to make Angustura Bitters. In South 
America it is given [in large doses] as an antiperiodic. 

SERPENTARIA. 

SERPENTARIA. — Synonym.— [Virginia Snakeroot. The rhizome 
and roots of Aristolochia Serpentaria Linne, and of Aristolochia reticulata 
Nuttall (nat. ord. Aristolochiacece). Habitat. — United States, in hilly woods. 

Characters. — The rhizome is about 25 mm. long, thin, bent; on the 
upper side with approximate short stem bases ; on the lower side with numer- 
ous, thin, branching roots about 10 cm. long; dull, yellowish-brown, internally 
whitish; the wood rays of the rhizome longest on the lower side; odor aro- 
matic, camphoraceous; taste warm, bitterish, and camphoraceous. The roots 
of Aristolochia reticulata are coarser, longer, and less interlaced than those of 
Aristolochia Serpentaria.~\ Rese??ibling Se?pentaria — VeratrumViride, [see p. 
414), Arnica, [see p. 503), and Valerian, [see p. 527.) 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A bitter principle, Aristo- 
lochine, in light-yellow needles. (2) A volatile oil, y^ per cent, [containing a 
Terpene, and mainly C 15 H 25 2 , Borneol Ether]. (3) Resin. (4) Tannic acid 
in small quantity. 

[Serpentaria is used to prepare Tinctura Cinchonae Composita.] 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr.; [.60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Serpentaria-; Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Ser- 
pentaria. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m.; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

2. Tinctura Serpentariae. — [Tincture of Serpentaria. Serpen- 
taria,* 100; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water to 
1000. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Serpentaria. 
In the small doses in which serpentaria is given in medicine 
it is a bitter stomachic, acting just like calumba, and cascarilla, 
and is used for the same class of cases. It is rarely prescribed 
alone. In large doses it produces vomiting and purging. Many 
virtues have been attributed to it which it [quite likely] does not 
possess. 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 557 

CIMICIFUGA. 

CIMICIFUGA. — [Synonyms.— Black Snakeroot. Black Cohosh. The 
rhizome and roots of Cimicifuga racemosa (Linne) Nuttall (nat. ord. Ranun- 
culacece). Habitat. — North America; in rich woodlands, westward to Eastern 
Kansas. 

Characters. — The rhizome is of horizontal growth, hard, 5 cm. or more 
long, about 25 mm. thick, with numerous stout, upright or curved branches, 
terminated by a cup-shaped scar, and with numerous wiry, brittle, obtusely 
quadrangular roots, about 2 mm. thick; the whole brownish-black, of a slight 
but heavy odor, and of a bitter, acrid taste. Rhizome and branches have a 
smooth fracture, with a rather large pith, surrounded by numerous sublinear, 
whitish wood-rays, and a thin, firm bark. The roots break with a short fracture, 
have a thick bark, and contain a ligneous cord expanding into about four rays. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) An acrid, crystalline prin- 
ciple, soluble in Chloroform and Alcohol. (2) Tannic acid. (3) Two Resins.] 

Cimicifugin or Macrotin is an impure resin deposited from the tincture 
on adding water. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Cimicifugae. — [Extract of Cimicifuga. By macer- 
ation and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

2. Extractum Cimicifugae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Cimici- 
fuga. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, ]/ z to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. ex.] 

3. Tinctura Cimicifugae. — [Tincture of Cimicifuga. Cimici- 
fuga, 200; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, yi to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action of Cimicifuga. 
Cimicifuga has two chief actions. It influences the gastric 
secretion like any other bitter, and, to a slight extent, it depresses 
the rate, but increases the force of the pulse, like digitalis. The 
arterial tension rises. It is said to cause contractions of the 
uterus and to increase the menstrual flow. 

Therapeutics of Cimicifuga. 
It has been used for chorea, dyspepsia, bronchitis, amenor- 
rhcea, rheumatism, neuralgia, and many other diseases. The 
evidence that it does any good [beyond that accomplished by a 
simple bitter], is slight. 



558 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

TARAXACUM. 

TARAXACUM. — [Synonym. — Dandelion. The root of Taraxacum 
officinale Weber (nat. ord. Composites), gathered in autumn. Habitat. — Grassy- 
places and roadsides in Europe; naturalized in the United States. 

Characters. — Slightly conical, about 30 cm. long, and 1 or 2 cm. thick 
above, crowned with several short, thickish heads, somewhat branched, bark 
brown, longitudinally wrinkled, when dry breaking with a short fracture, 
showing a yellowish, porous central axis, surrounded by a thick, white bark, 
containing numerous milk vessels arranged in concentric circles ; inodorous ; 
bitter.] Resembling Taraxacum. — Pellitory, which is pungent when chewed. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are (1) Taraxacin, a crystalline 
bitter principle, solution in water and Alcohol. (2) Taraxacerin, C 8 H 16 0. 
(3) Inulin. (4) Resin (which gives the juice its milky appearance). 

[Impurity. — The root of the Chicorium Intybus, which is paler, and has 
the milk vessels in radiating lines.] 

Dose, 1 to 3 dr. ; [4. to 12. gm.] 

Preparations. 
[1. Extractum Taraxaci. — Extract of Taraxacum. By expres- 
sion and straining and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

2. Extractum Taraxaci Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Taraxacum. 
By maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fi. dr. • 4. to 15. gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Dandelion. 
Dandelion is a simple bitter, and acts as a stomachic, just 
like calumba. It is also slightly laxative. It was formerly much 
'more used than at the present day. It has been said to stimulate 
the flow of bile, but this is incorrect. [The vulgar name by 
which dandelion is known both in England and France suggests 
that it may be diuretic] 

AURANTII CORTEX. 

AURANTII [AMAR1 CORTEX.— Bitter Orange Peel. The rind 
of the fruit of Citrus vulgaris Risso (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — Northern 
India; cultivated in subtropical countries. 

Characters. — In narrow, thin bands, or in quarters; epidermis of a 
dark, brownish-green color, glandular, and with very little of the spongy, white 
inner layer adhering to it ; it has a fragrant odor, and an aromatic, bitter taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, consisting 



VEGETABLE BITTERS. 559 



(2) Hesperidin, a bitter principle. Both Bitter and Sweet Orange Peel con- 
tain a substance which reacts with iron salts like tannic acid. 

Bitter Orange Peel is used in preparing Tinctura Cinchonas Composita 
and Tinctura Gentianae Composita. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Aurantii Amari Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Bitter Orange Peel. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
water, and evaporation. 

Dose, yi to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Tinctura Aurantii Amari. — Tincture of Bitter Orange Peel. 
Bitter Orange Peel, 200. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol 
and water to 1 000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

AURANTII DULCIS CORTEX.— Sweet Orange Peel. The rind 
of the fresh fruit of Citrus Aurantium Linne (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. 
— As of the Citrus vulgaris. 

Characters. — Closely resembling Bitter Orange Peel, but having an 
orange-yellow color. It has a sweetish, fragrant odor, and an aromatic, slightly 
bitter taste. 

Composition. — As of the Bitter Orange Peel. 

Preparations. 

1. Syrupus Aurantii. — Syrup of Orange. Sweet Orange Peel, 
50; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 50; Sugar, 700. By boiling 
with Alcohol, mixture of the tincture ( thus formed) in Sugar with Water, 
addition of Water and filtration to 1 000. 

Dose, as vehicle. 

2. Tinctura Aurantii Dulcis. — Tincture of Sweet Orange Peel. 
Sweet Orange Peel, 200. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol 
to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

OLEUM AURANTII CORTICIS.— Oil of Orange Peel, a vola- 
tile oil obtained by expression from the fresh peel of either the Bitter Orange, 
Citrus vulgarus Risso, or the Sweet Orange, Citrus Aurantium Linne (nat. 
ord. Rutacetz). 

Characters. — A pale, yellowish liquid, having the characteristic, aro- 
matic odor of Orange, and an aromatic and, when obtained from the Bitter 
Orange, somewhat bitter taste. Sp. gr., about 0.850. Solubility. — In four 
times its volume of Alcohol. 



560 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Impurities. — Oil of Turpentine or other oils containing Pinene. 
Oil of Orange Peel is contained in Spiritus Myrcise. 

Preparations. 
I. Spiritus Aurantii. — Spirit of Orange. Oil of Orange Peel, 
50; Deodorized Alcohol, 950. 
Dose, as vehicle. 

2. Spiritus Aurantii Compositus. — Compound Spirit of Orange. 
Oil of Orange Peel, 200 ; Oil of Lemon, 50 ; Oil of Coriander, 20 ; 
Oil of Anise, 5 ; Deodorized Alcohol to 1000. 
Dose, as vehicle. 

3. Elixir Aromaticum. — Aromatic Elixir. Compound Spirit of 
Orange, 12; Syrup, 375 ; Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 15; Deodor- 
ized Alcohol, Distilled Water, each, a sufficient quantity to make 1000. 
By solution of the Compound Spirit of Orange in Deodorized Alcohol, 
to 250; addition of Syrup and Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, and 
filtering with Distilled Water to 1000. 
Dose, as vehicle. 
OLEUM AURANTII FLORUM.— Oil of Orange Flowers. Syn- 
onym. — Oil of Neroli. A volatile oil distilled from fresh flowers of the Bitter 
Orange, Citrus vulgaris Risso (nat. ord. Rutacece). 

Characters. — A yellowish or brownish, thin liquid, having a very fra- 
grant odor of Orange Flowers, and an aromatic, somewhat bitter taste. Sp. 
gr. ,0.875 to 0.890. Solubility. — In an equal volume of Alcohol. 

Preparations. 

1. Aqua Aurantii Florum Fortior. — Stronger Orange Flower 
Water. Synonym. — Triple Orange Flower Water. Water saturated 
with the volatile oil of fresh Orange Flowers. 

Dose, indeterminate. 

2. Aqua Aurantii Florum. — Orange Flower Water. Stronger 
Orange Flower Water, 500; Distilled Water to 1 000. 

Dose, indeterminate. 

3. Syrupus Aurantii Florum. — Syrup of Orange Flowers. Sugar 
850 ; Orange Flower Water to 1000. 

Dose, indeterminate.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Orange. 
The various preparations of the orange are used largely as 
flavoring agents. They are slightly bitter and stomachic. [The 
aromatic elixir is an excellent flavoring agent and vehicle for 
liquid medicines.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 561 

GROUP VIII. 

Vegetable Drugs containing Tannic Acid. 

These are all astringent. 

Oak Bark, Nutgall, [Tannic Acid, Gallic Acid, Pyrogallol,] Catechu, 

Krameria, Kino, Haematoxylon, Hamamelis, [Rhus Glabra, 

Geranium, Rubus, Rumex,] Eucalyptus Gum, [Goto.] 

QUERCUS [ALBA.— White Oak. The bark of the Quercus alba 
Linne (nat. ord. Cupuliferce) . Habitat. — North America, westward to Min- 
nesota, Kansas, and Mississippi ; in woods. 

Characters. — In nearly flat pieces, deprived of the corky layer, about 5 
mm. thick ; pale brown ; inner surface with short, sharp, longitudinal ridges ; 
tough; of a coarse, fibrous fracture, a faint, tan-like odor, and a strongly 
astringent taste. As met with in the shops it is usually an irregularly coarse, 
fibrous powder, which does not tinge the saliva yellow.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — ( I ) Quercitannic acid [C 28 H 24 
12 , 6 to n] per cent., a variety of Tannic Acid. (2) Quercin, a bitter princi- 
ple. (3) \_Quercite, a sugar.] (4) Resin. 

Incompatibles. — See Tannic Acid, p. 562. 

GALL A. — [Nutgall. An excrescence on Quercus lusitanica Lamarck 
(nat. ord. Cupuliferce), caused by the punctures and deposited ova of Cynips 
Gallce tinctorice Olivier (class Insecta ; order Hymenoptera. Habitat. — 
Levant. 

Characters. — Subglobular, 1 or 2 cm. in diameter, more or less tuber- 
culated above, otherwise smooth, heavy, hard; often with a circular hole near 
the middle, communicating with the central cavity; blackish olive-green or 
blackish-gray; fracture granular, grayish; in the centre a cavity containing 
either the partly developed insect, or purulent remains left by it; nearly 
inodorous, taste strongly astringent.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Tannic Acid, [50 to 60] 
per cent. -(2) Gallic Acid, 2 to [3] per cent. (3) Sugar. (4) Resin. 

Incompatibles. — See Tannic and Gallic Acids, p. 562 and p. 565. 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Gallse.— [Tincture of Nutgall. Nutgall, 200 ; by 
maceration with Glycerin, 100, and Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c] 

2. Unguentum Gallae. - [Nutgall Ointment. Nutgall, 20; Ben- 
zoinated Lard, 80.] 

36 



562 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ACIDUM TANNICUM.— Tannic Acid, [HC u H 9 9 =32i.22.] Syn- 
onyms. — Tannin. Gallotannic Acid. Digallic Acid. An organic acid extracted 
from Nutgall. 

Source. — ( I ) Expose powdered Nutgall to a damp atmosphere for twenty- 
four hours. (2) Add Ether to form a paste, and let it stand, closely covered, 
for six hours. (3) Express this in a close canvas cloth, between tinned plates, 
reduce the resulting cake to powder and mix with sufficient Ether and express 
as before. (4) Mix the expressed liquids and allow the mixture to evaporate 
spontaneously. Tannic Acid remains. [2HC 7 H 5 5 — H 2 0=HC u H 9 9 .] 

Characters. — [A light yellowish, amorphous powder, usually cohering 
in form of glistening scales or spongy masses, odorless, or having a faint char- 
acteristic odor, and a strongly astringent taste ; gradually turning darker when 
exposed to air and light. Solubility. — In about 1 part of water, and in 0.6 
part of Alcohol; also in about 1 part of Glycerin, with the intervention of a 
moderate heat ; freely soluble in diluted Alcohol, sparingly in absolute Alco- 
hol; almost insoluble in absolute Ether, Chloroform, Benzol or Benzin.] 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids, alkalies, antimony, lead, silver, and 
ferric salts, alkaloids, gelatin, and emulsions. 

Dose, 1 to 20 gr. ; [.06 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 
[1. Collodium Stypticum. — Styptic Collodion. Tannic Acid, 
20; Alcohol, 5 ; Ether, 25 ; Collodion, to 100. By solution. 

2. Trochisci Acidi Tannici. — Troches of Tannic Acid. Tannic 
Acid, 6; Sugar, 65; Tragacanth, 2 gm. ; Stronger Orange Flower 
Water, a sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. Each troche contains 
about I gr.; .06 gm. of Tannic Acid. 

Dose, 1 to 3 troches. 

3. Unguentum Acidi Tannici. — Ointment of Tannic Aeid. 
Tannic Acid, 20; Benzoinated Lard, 80. 

4. Glyceritum Acidi Tannici. — Glycerite of Tannic Acid. 
Tannic Acid, 20; Glycerin, 80. 

Action of Tannic Acid. 
External. — Tannic acid is one of the most important drugs, 
because it coagulates albumin and gelatin with great readiness ; 
that is to say, it tans the tissues, for it is by coagulating the inter- 
stitial fluid in skins that tannic acid converts them into leather. 
If an albuminous discharge is taking place from a sore or mucous 
surface and tannic acid is applied, the excreted fluid is coagulated, 
and the coagulum forms a solid protecting layer which prevents 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 563 

further discharge. As the tannic acid soaks into the tissues it 
coagulates the albuminous fluids there also, and this still further 
hinders the discharge of fluid, therefore it is an energetic astrin- 
gent. If bleeding is taking place, tannic acid of course coagu- 
lates the blood as it flows and the clots plug the vessels ; at the 
same time the coaguium formed within the tissues, by its contrac- 
tion, constricts the blood-vessels, and thus tannic acid becomes a 
powerful haemostatic. Authorities differ as to whether it also 
contracts the blood-vessels by acting directly on them like lead, 
silver, ergot, etc., but probably it has no such action. Tannic 
acid is slightly antiseptic, and it is mildly depressant to sensory 
nerves. Like other acids it is irritant, but it is very feebly so, 
and consequently its action in this direction is more than counter- 
balanced by its strongly astringent effects. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — Because tannic acid 
coagulates the mucous secretions and the fluids in mucous mem- 
branes, it makes the mouth dry when locally applied ; in the 
stomach and intestines it prevents the secretion of gastric and 
intestinal juices, and decreases the flow of mucus. For these 
reasons, and also because it precipitates pepsin, it interferes with 
digestion. In the intestine it is converted into gallic acid, 
but until this happens it can control gastric or intestinal bleeding. 
It is absorbed as gallic acid [but tannic acid may be reformed 
and excreted by the intestines (Edes.)]. This and salts of tannic 
acid have no astringent properties, therefore when, as is often 
the case, drugs containing large amounts of tannic acid act as 
powerful intestinal astringents, we must suppose that the amount 
of tannic acid taken is large enough for the conversion of it, 
into salts or gallic acid, to fake place slowly. 

Remote effects. — Gallic acid has no power to coagulate albumin, 
nor has it any astringent influence when locally applied, therefore 
it is difficult to believe that tannic acid has any remote astringent 
or haemostatic effects; some claim that it has, but they have 
not proved their case. It is excreted in the urine as gallic and 
pyrogallic acids. Many vegetable substances, as logwood, 
depend for their astringent properties, on the tannic acid they 
contain. 



564 organic materia medica. 

Therapeutics of Tannic Acid. 

The therapeutical applications of tannic acid are very numer- 
ous. It is used as an astringent for ulcers, sores, various moist 
eruptions, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, nasal catarrh, otorrhoea, gastric 
catarrh, diarrhoea (large doses of 30 gr. ; [2. gm.] may be given, 
and catechu and logwood are favorite remedies), leucorrhoea, 
gonorrhoea, rectal ulcers, fissures, and prolapse. It is employed 
as a haemostatic in bleeding from small wounds, ulcers, the gums, 
the pharynx, the nose, the stomach, the intestine, haem rrhoids, 
the bladder. Whenever practicable a good method of applica- 
tion is to dust it on the part, especially for a haemorrhage ; if 
this is gastric or intestinal, 30 gr ; [2. gm.] or more should be 
frequently given by the mouth. For external use or application 
to the throat the glycerite is useful. A gargle of the glycerite in 
water, [1 to 8] may be made. The [troches] are convenient 
for pharyngitis. A spray ("1 to 2 in 96 of water) or an insuffla- 
tion of tannic acid and starch may be used for the mouth and 
larynx. The ointment of [nut] gall and opium, [1 to 14 of oint- 
ment of nutgall,] is a favorite application for piles. The sup- 
positories [3 gr. ; .20 gm. each] are useful for rectal discharges. 
Solutions [1 to 48] in water maybe injected into the urethra and 
bladder. [It should never be used hypodermatically]. The de- 
coction of oak bark, employed as a high rectal injection, destroys 
the threadworm. [A preparation of nut gall dissolved in glycerin 
was formerly used as an injection into hernial sacs (Heaton's 
method) The temporary results were excellent, but sooner or 
later failures occurred in a very large percentage of cases. 

Tannigen (not official), the acetic acid ester of tannic acid, 
is prepared by the action of glacial acetic acid on tannic acid. 
It is a tasteless, odorless powder, insoluble in water and is believed 
to pass unchanged through the stomach and to be slowly decom- 
posed in the intestines, thus exerting an astringent effect in them. 
The dose is 5 to 30 gr., .30 to 2.00 gm., in wafers. 

Tannalbin (not official) is a tannin albuminate which has 
been subjected to a dry heat of 23o°-248° F. (no°-i2o° C.) for 
several hours. It is a faintly yellow, tasteless powder containing 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 565 

about 50 per cent, of tannic acid. Laboratory experiments have 
shown that it is not easily decomposed by an artificial gastric 
juice, but it is rapidly separated into its constituents in an alka- 
line medium or by an artificial solution of the pancreatic fer- 
ments. This preparation then passes through the stomach un- 
changed and may not be broken up until it has passed well down 
into the intestine. The dose is 5 gr., .30 gm., given in wafers at 
frequent intervals.] 

ACIDUM GALLICUM.— Gallic Acid. HC 7 H 6 5 +H 2 0[=i87.5S. 
An organic acid, usually prepared from Tannic Acid. 

Source. — By exposing a mixture of Nutgall and distilled water in the 
form of a thin paste, to the air for a month, expressing and rejecting the liquor, 
boiling the residue with distilled water and filtering, when hot, through purified 
Animal Charcoal. HC u H 9 9 -f H 2 0=2HC 7 H 5 5 . 

Characters. — White, or pale fawn-colored, silky, interlaced needles, 
or triclinic prisms ; odorless ; having an astringent or slightly acidulous taste ; 
permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 100 parts of water, and in 5 parts of 
Alcohol ; also soluble in 40 parts of Ether, and in 12 parts of Glycerin. Very 
slightly soluble in Chloroform, Benzol, or Benzin.] 

Incompatibles. — Ferric and metallic salts generally, and Spiritus ^Etheris 
Nitrosi. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Uses of Gallic Acid. 

Gallic acid has no power to coagulate albumin, and therefore 
possesses none of the local properties of tannic acid. If it is 
wished to produce the supposed remote astringent effects of tannic 
acid, gallic acid may be administered, for tannic acid is in the 
intestine converted into it. 

PYROGALLOL. 

[PYROGALLOL.— C 6 H 3 (OH) 3 =i25.7. Synonym.— Pyrogallic Acid. 

Source. — A triatomic phenol obtained chiefly by the dry distillation of 
Gallic Acid. HC 7 H 5 5 =C 6 H 3 (OH) 3 4-C0 2 . 

Characters. — Light white, shining laminae, or fine needles, odorless, 
and having a bitter taste ; acquiring a gray or darker tint on exposure to air 
and light. Solubility. — In 1.7 parts of water, and in 1 part of Alcohol; also 
soluble in 1.2 parts of Ether.] 



566 organic materia medica. 

Action and Therapeutics of Pyrogallol. 
It is used externally as an ointment (Jarisch's ointment is 
pyrogallic acid, i ; lard, 8) for the treatment of chronic psoriasis. 
It is also an excellent parasiticide for ringworm. [Before pyro- 
gallol is used, vaseline should be applied thoroughly, and wiped 
off, to remove scales and other morbid products.] It must not 
be applied over too large a surface, as it may be absorbed and 
produce toxic symptoms. Jarisch's ointment is very strong ; a 
more usual strength is i or 2 [or even less,] to 48 of lard. [When 
it is applied in solution or ointment, it stains the skin, but not 
permanently; linen and clothing are, however, permanently 
darkened. To avoid the staining it has been proposed to dis- 
solve the remedy in flexible collodion, 1 or 2 to 24.] 

* CATECHU. 

CATECHU. — Synonym, — Cutch. An extract [prepared from the wood 
of Acacia Catechu (Linne films) Willdenow (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Hab- 
itat. — India. 

Characters. — In irregular masses, containing fragments of leaves, dark 
brown, brittle, somewhat porous and glossy when freshly broken. It is nearly 
inodorous, and has a strongly astringent and sweetish taste.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Catechutannic Acid, about 
45 per cent., the active principle, isomeric with Catechin, and converted into 
it by boiling or by the saliva, a red color being formed. (2) Catechin or 
Catechuic Acid [C 21 H 20 O 9 -|-5H 2 O], probably inactive. Both constituents 
give a green precipitate with Ferric Salts. (3) [Catechu red.] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, metallic salts, and gelatin. 

Impurity. — Starch. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; [.60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Tinctura Catechu [Composita. — Compound Tincture of Cate- 
chu. Catechu, 100; Cassia Cinnamon, 50; by maceration and perco- 
lation with diluted Alcohol, to 1060. 

Dose, % to 2 fi. dr. ; 2. to 8. c c. 

2. Trochisci Catechu. — Troches of Catechu. Catechu, 6; 
Sugar, 65 ; Tragacanth, 2 gm.; Stronger Orange Flower Water, a 
sufficient quantity to make 100 troches. Each troche contains about 
I gr.; .06 gm. 

Dose, 1 to 6 troches.] 



vegetable drugs containing tannic acid. 567 

Action and Therapeutics of Catechu. 

Catechu is a powerful astringent, acting in virtue of its 
tannic acid, and having a precisely similar action to it. It is 
used as a [troche] for sore throat, and the compound [tincture] is 
very efficacious for diarrhoea. 

KRAMERIA. 

[KRAMERIA. Synonym. — Rhatany. The root of Krameria triandra 
Ruiz et Pavon, and of Krameria Ixina Linne (nat. ord. Polygalece). Habi- 
tat. — Peru and Bolivia. 

Characters. — From I to 3 cm. thick, knotty and several-headed above, 
branched below, the branches long ; bark smooth or, in the thinner pieces, 
scaly, deep rust-brown, 1 to 2 mm. thick, very astringent, inodorous ; wood 
pale brownish-red, tough, with fine medullary rays, nearly tasteless. The root 
of Krameria Ixina (Savanilla Rhatany) is less knotty and more slender, and 
has a dark purplish-brown bark, about 3 mm. thick.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Kramerotannic Acid, 
C 54 H 24 21 , 20 per cent. (2) \_Rhatanin\. (3) Rhatanic red, [C 2ff H 22 O n ], 
the coloring matter. 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, lime water, iron and lead salts, and gelatin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr.; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Krameriae. — [Extract of Krameria. By percola- 
tion with water, straining and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 10 gr. ; .30 to .60 gm. 

2. Extractum Krameriae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Krame- 
ria. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and Diluted Alcohol, 
and evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Krameria is used to ?nake Syrupus Krameria;. 
Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

3. Tinctura Krameriae. — Tincture of Krameria. Krameria, 
200 ; by maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, yi to 2 fi. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

4. Trochisci Krameriae. — Troches of Krameria. Extract of 
Krameria, 6 ; Sugar, 65 ; Tragacanth, 2 gm. ; Stronger Orange Flower 
Water, a sufficient quantity to make loo troches. Each troche contains 
about 1 gr. ; .06 gm. 

Dose, 1 to 5 troches. 



568 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

5. Syrupus Krameriae. Syrup of Krameria. Fluid Extract of 
Krameria, 450 ; Syrup, 550. 

Dose, y 2 to 4 fl. dr. ; 2. to 15. c.c] 

Action of Krameria. 
The action of krameria is due entirely to the tannic acid it 
contains. It is therefore a powerful astringent. . 

Therapeutics of Krameria. 
The extract is the important ingredient of many tooth pow- 
ders which are useful when the gums are liable to bleed. An 
infusion [B. P., 1 to 20] is an excellent gargle for a relaxed 
throat, and the troches are also efficacious. Bleeding from the 
nose or the rectum may be stopped by applying powdered 
krameria locally ; the infusion may be used as an injection in 
leucorrhoea or gonorrhoea. Any of its preparations, especially 
[the fluid extract] are powerful astringents for all varieties of 
diarrhoea, and may be taken to stop bleeding from the stomach 
and intestines. They are also given as remote haemostatics for 
haemoptysis and haematuria, but they are not reliable for these 

purposes. 

KINO. 

KINO. — The [inspissated juice of Pterocarpus Marsupium Roxburgh 
(nat. ord. Leguminosce) . Habitat. — East Indies. 

Characters. — Small, angular, dark brownish-red, shining pieces, brittle, 
in thin layers ruby red and transparent, inodorous, very astringent and sweetish, 
tinging the saliva deep red. Solubility. — Soluble in Alcohol, nearly insolu- 
ble in Ether, and only slightly soluble in cold water.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Kinotannic Acid, C 18 
H 18 8 , 75 per cent. (2) Kinoin, a crystalline neutral principle. (3) Pyrocate- 
chin, C 6 H 4 (OH 2 ), a substance also found pathologically in the urine, and giving 
it a dark color. It reduces blue copper solutions. (4) Kino red, formed from 
kinotannic acid by oxidation. (5) Pectin. 

Incompatibles.— Mineral acids, alkalies, all metallic salts, carbonates, 
and gelatin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Kino. — [Tincture of Kino. Kino, 100; Glycerin, 150. 
By maceration and filtration with water, 200 ; and Alcohol to 1000. 
Dose, ^ to 2 fl. dr. ; 1. to 8. c.c] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 669 



Action and Therapeutics of Kino. 

Kinotannic acid acts like tannic acid, and therefore kino 
is a powerful astringent. — It is used in astringent gargles, and 
also in diarrhoea mixtures. 

H^MATOXYLON. 

H JEM ATOXYL.ON —Synonym.— Logwood. The heart-wood of 

Hcematoxylon campechianum Linne (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Cen- 
tral America ; naturalized in the West Indies. 

Characters. — Heavy, hard, externally purplish-black, internally brown- 
ish-red, and marked with irregular, concentric circles, splitting irregularly ; 
odor faint, agreeable ; taste sweetish, astringent. When chewed, it colors the 
saliva dark pink. Logwood is generally met with in the form of small chips 
or coarse powder of a dark brownish-red color, often with a greenish lustre.] 
Resembling Logwood. — Red [Saunders], which is more dense and less astrin- 
gent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Tannic Acid. (2) Hema- 
toxylin, C 16 H u 6 , 12 per cent. Occurring in [sweet], colorless crystals, which 
become dark-red on exposure to light. Solutions of it are used to stain his- 
tological specimens. [(3) Hcematein, C 16 H 12 6 , a product of oxidation of the 
former, having a green, metallic lustre ] 

IncompATIBLES. — Mineral acids, lime water, and tartar emetic ; metallic 
salts give a blue color. 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Hsematoxylon. — Extract of Haematoxylon. By 
maceration in Water, boiling, straining and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Logwood. 

In virtue of its tannic acid, logwood is a powerful astringent, 
and for this purpose is used to control diarrhoea of all sorts. It 
may be combined with other astringents, as chalk and [with] 
opium [to check peristalsis.] It does not easily produce consti- 
pation. It colors the urine and faeces dark red. One disadvan- 
tage of it is that it stains linen, if [it comes in contact with] it. 

HAMAMELIS. 
HAMAMELIS. — \_Synonym. — Witchhazel. The leaves of Hamamelis 
virginiana Linne (nat. ord. Hamamelacece), collected in autumn. Habitat. — 
North America, in thickets. 



570 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

CHARACTERS. — Short petiolate, about io cm. long, obovate or oval, slightly- 
heart-shaped and oblique at the base, sinuate-toothed, thickish, nearly smooth ; 
inodorous; taste astringent and bitter.] 

Composition. —The chief constituents are — (i) Tannic Acid, 8 per cent. 
(2) A bitter principle not yet isolated. (3) Resin. 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Hamamelidis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Hama- 
melis. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, l / 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Witchhazel. 
Hamamelis is, because of its tannic acid, astringent and 
haemostatic. The [fluid] extract is used for capillary haemor- 
rhage from wounds, for bleeding from the nose, the sockets of 
the teeth, the gums, or from piles, and it may be injected into 
the bladder in vesical haemorrhage. For all these purposes it is 
diluted with water ; the fluid may be of any strength ; the fluid 
extract in 10 or 20 parts of water is commonly employed. Locally 
applied, hamamelis, either as the ointment [B. P., 1 to 10, made 
from the fluid extract] or the diluted fluid [extract], is used as an 
astringent in bruises, sprains, pharyngitis, and nasal catarrh. The 
ointment is often used for piles Given by the mouth, hamemelis 
may check diarrhoea, dysentery, etc. ; and it is reputed to be a 
remote haemostatic and astringent, but this is probably incorrect. 

[RHUS GLABRA. 

RHUS GLABRA. — Synonym. — Sumach. The fruit of Rhus glabra 
Linne (nat. ord. Anacardiece) . Habitat. — North America, west to Colorado 
and Idaho ; in barren soil. 

Characters. — Subglobular, about 3 mm. in diameter, drupaceous, crim- 
son, densely hairy, containing a roundish-oblong, smooth putamen ; inodorous ; 
taste acidulous. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Tannic Acid, of which 
it contains from 6 to 27 per cent. (2) Gallic Acid. (3) Acid calcium and 
potassium malates. (4) A red coloring matter. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Rhois Glabrae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rhus 
Glabra. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and Diluted 
Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, X to * fl « dr - '> *• to 4- c - c - 



vegetable drugs containing tannic acid. 571 

Action and Uses of Rhus Glabra. 

Sumach fruit is astringent and refrigerant. The fluid extract, 
when diluted, affords a very useful and effective gargle for inflam- 
mation and ulceration of the throat. 

GERANIUM. 

GERANIUM — Synonym. — Cranesbill. The rhizome of Geranium 
tnaculatum Linne (nat. ord. Geraniacece). Habitat. — North America, in 
woods and thickets. 

Characters. — Of horizontal growth, cylindrical, 5 to 7 cm. long ; about 
I cm. thick ; rather sharply tuberculated, longitudinally wrinkled, dark brown ; 
fracture short, pale reddish-brown ; bark thin ; wood-wedges yellowish, small, 
forming a circle near the cambium line ; medullary rays broad ; central pith 
large ; roots thin, fragile ; inodorous ; taste strongly astringent. 

Composition. — (i) Tannic Acid, 12 to 17 per cent. (2) Gallic Acid. 
(3) Pectin. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Geranii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Geranium. 
By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and Diluted Alcohol, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, y( to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Geranium. 
Geranium is one of the best indigenous astringents, and is of 
great use in diarrhoea and dysentery, and in the various haemor- 
rhages. 

RUBUS. 

RUB US. — Synonym. — Blackberry. The bark of the root of Rubus 
villosus Aiton, Rubus canadensis, Linne, and Rubus trivialis Michaux (nat. 
ord. Rosacece), Habitat. — North America, in fields and thickets. 

Characters. — In thin, tough, flexible bandi, outer surface blackish or 
blackish-gray, inner surface pale brownish, sometimes with strips of whitish, 
tasteless wood adhering ; inodorous ; taste strongly astringent, somewhat bitter. 

Composition. — (1) Tannic Acid, 10 to 13 per cent. (2) Gallic Ada \ 
0.4 per cent. (3) Villosin, a bitter crystalline glucoside, soluble in Alcohol. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Rubi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rubus. By 
maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Fluid Extract of Rubus is used to make Syrupus Rubi. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 



572 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

2. Syrupus Rubi. — Syrup of Rubus. Fluid Extract of Rubus, 
250; Syrup, 750. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fi. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Blackberry. 
The preparations made from blackberry root are tonic and 
slightly astringent. They are used for diarrhoea; blackberry 
brandy is a common domestic remedy. 

RUMEX. 

RUMEX. — Synonym. — Yellow Dock. The root of Rumex crispus 
Linne, and of some other species of Rumex (nat. ord. Polygonacea). Hab- 
itat. — Europe ; naturalized in North America, in grassy places and along road- 
sides. 

Characters. — From 20 to 30 cm. long, about 10 to 15 mm. thick, some- 
what fusiform, fleshy, nearly simple, annulate above, deeply wrinkled below ; 
externally rusty brown, internally whitish, with fine, straight, interrupted, red- 
dish, medullary rays, and a rather thick bark; fracture short; odor slight, 
peculiar; taste bitter and astringent. 

Composition. — (1) Tannic Acid. (2) Rumicin, identical with Chry- 
sophanic Acid. (3) Calcium Oxalate, and other salts. 

Dose, jl to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Rumicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Rumex. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Rumex. 
Rumex is astringent, slightly tonic and alterative. It has 
been used in syphilis, scorbutic disorders, and cutaneous erup- 
tions ] 

EUCALYPTI GUMMI. 

EUCALYPTUS GUM.— [B. P., not official.] Synonym.— Red Gum. 
A ruby-colored exudation from the bark of Eucalyptus rostrata (nat. ord. 
Myrtacece) and from other species. \_Habitat. — ] Australia. 

Characters. — An inspissated secretion forming semi-translucent and 
garnet- colored granules. Tough and difficult to powder. Adheres to the 
teeth when chewed. Soluble in water. Resembling Eucalyptus Gum. — Kino, 
which is darker and feebly soluble in water. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Kinotannic Acid. (2) 
Catechin. (3) Pyrocatechin 



VEGETABLE DRUGS CONTAINING TANNIC ACID. 573 

Dose, 2 to io gr. ; [.12 to .60 gm.] in powder, or in an aqueous solu- 
tion or made into a pill with mucilage of Acacia. 

Action and Therapeutics of Red Gum. 
Red gum is, by virtue of its tannic acid, powerfully astrin- 
gent and is used in diarrhoea and dysentery. Lozenges, i gr. 
[.06 gm.] in each, with fruit paste, or a decoction of i in 40, as 
a gargle, are employed for relaxed throats. This decoction may 
also be given in 2 to 4 [fi.] dr. [8. to 15. c.c] doses for diarrhoea. 
A fluid extract (red gum, 7 ; water, 21 ; alcohol, 1 ;) dose, ^ to 
1 fl. dr. [2. to 4. c.c] is a useful preparation. Injected into the 
nose it stops epistaxis. Mixed with 1 to 10 of water it may be 
injected into the rectum or vagina, or may be used as a mouth 
wash. Suppositories, each containing 5 gr. ; [.30 gm.] of red 
gum, are prepared, and may be employed for piles. 

COTO. 

COTO BARK. [Not official.]— The bark [of Drimys Winteri, Foster, 
var. granatensis, Eichler. Habitat. — Venezuela. 

Characters. — In irregular pieces, outer surface irregular as well as the 
inner surface ; color cinnamon-brown ; upon fresh cross-section the bark is seen 
to be filled with yellowish spots, except in the outer portions ; odor aromatic, 
especially if bruised ; the powder is very pungent. Resembling Coto Bark. — 
Paracoto Bark, which has a less powerful odor and taste; and is marked with 
deep, whitish furrows upon its surface. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cotoin {see below). (2) A 
volatile oil. (3) A resin in large amount. (4) A volatile alkaloid of a pep- 
pery taste, probably propylamine. (5) Piper onylic Acid, C 8 H 6 4 . ] Coto is 
placed here provisionally among the drugs containing Tannic Acid, until its 
composition [can be ascertained.] 

Dose, 1 to 10 gr.; [.06 to .60 gm. 

COTOIN.-C 22 TI 18 6 =37 7 .io. 

Characters. — A glucoside occurring as a pale yellow, amorphous pow- 
der, or in minute, curved, white, fusible prisms. Solubility. — Slightly in water ; 
soluble in Alcohol, Ether, and Chloroform. It has a biting taste, and its powder 
is irritating to the nostrils. 

Dose, 1 to 2 gr. ; .06 to .12 gm. 

Action and Uses of Coto. 
Coto is not astringent, but because it produces absorption, 
coto bark and cotoin have established a reputation as remedies 



574 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

for diarrhoea, whether infantile, in phthisis or in typhoid fever. 
It also checks salivation and night-sweats. A 10 per cent, tincture 
of coto has been recommended by the British Pharmaceutical 
Conference. It should not be combined with Mistura Cretan] 



GROUP IX. 

Vegetable Demulcent Substances. 

Many of these are nutritive. 

Olive Oil, [Soap, Chondrus,] Glycerin, Oleic Acid, [Althaea] Almond, 
. Tragacanth, Acacia, [Ulmus,] Liquorice, Linseed, Pearl 
Barley, Malt, Soja Bean, Cetraria, Raisins. 

OLEUM OLIVJE. 

OLIVE OIL. — [Synonym. — Sweet oil. A fixed oil expressed from 
the ripe fruit of Olea europcza Linne (nat. ord. Oleacece). Habitat. — Asia and 
Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, or light greenish-yellow, oily liquid, having 
a slight, peculiar odor, and a nutty, oleaginous taste, with a faintly acrid after- 
taste. Sp. gr., 0.915 to 0.918. Solubility. — Very sparingly soluble in Alcohol, 
but readily soluble in Ether, Chloroform, or Carbon Bisulphide.] 

Composition. — The [three] constituents are — (1) Olein, 72 per cent., a 
fluid oil, a compound of Oleic Acid and Glyceryl, thus: CgHjC^H^O^. 
(2) Palmitin, 28 per cent., a solid oil, a compound of Palmitic Acid, and 
Glyceryl, C 3 H 5 (C 16 H 31 2 )3. The formula for Oleic Acid is HC 18 H 33 2 ; and 
for Palmitic, HC 16 H 31 2 . [(3) Arachin, C 20 H 40 O 2 . 

Impurities. — Cotton seed and other oils. 

Dose, freely.] 

Olive Oil is contained in [Emplastrum Plumbi, Emplastrum Ferri, Era- 
plastrum Picis Burgundicae, Ceratum Cetacei, Unguentum, Diachylon, and 
Unguentum Veratrinae.] 

SAPO. 

SOAP. — Sodium Oleate, NaC 18 H 33 2 . [Synonyms.— White Castile Soap, 
Hard Soap. 

Source. — Soap is prepared from Soda and Olive Oil. C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 33 2 ) 3 
+3NaOH=2NaC 18 H 33 2 (Hard Soap)+C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 (Glycerin). 

Characters. — A white or whitish solid, hard, yet easily cut when fresh, 
having a faint, peculiar odor free from rancidity, a disagreeable, alkaline taste, 
and an alkaline reaction. Solubility. — Soluble in water and in Alcohol, more 
readily with the aid of heat. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 575 

Soap is contained in Pilule Aloes, Pilulse Aloes et Asafcetidae, Pilulae 
Asafoetidae, Piluke Opii, and Pilulse Rhei.] 

Preparations. 
[i. Emplastrum Saponis. — Soap Plaster. Soap, ioo; Lead 
Plaster, 900 ; by solution in Water and evaporation. 

2. Linimentum Saponis. — Soap Liniment. Synonym. — Opo- 
deldoc. Soap, 70 ; Camphor, 45 ; Oil of Rosemary, 10 ; Alcohol, 750 ; 
Water to 1000. 

Soap Liniment is contained in Linimentum Chloroformi.] 

SAPO MOLLIS. 

SOFT SO AP.-^ Potassium Oleate. [Synonyms.— Sapo Viridis. Green 
Soap. A soap prepared from Potassa and fixed oils, generally from Olive 
Oil. 

Source. — By heating Linseed Oil, 400 ; adding to this Potassa, 90 ; dis- 
solved in Water, 450 ; and Alcohol, 40 ; until the mixture is soluble in boiling 
Water without the separation of oily drops. 

Characters. — A soft, unctuous mass, of a yellowish-brown or brownish- 
yellow color. Solubility. — In about 5 parts of hot Water to a nearly clear 
liquid ; also in 2 parts of hot Alcohol, without leaving more than 3 per cent, 
of insoluble residue. 

Preparation. 

Linimentum Saponis Mollis — Liniment of Soft Soap. Syn- 
onym. — Tinctura Saponis Viridis. Soft Soap, 650 ; Oil of Lavender 
Flowers, 20 ; Alcohol, 300 ; Water to 1000. By filtration.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Olive Oil. 

External. — Olive oil is used to facilitate the rubbing of 
parts ; for this purpose it is employed in massage. It is a com- 
mon soothing protective to burns and may be mixed with poul- 
tices to prevent their adhering to the skin. If rubbed in vigor- 
ously, it can be absorbed through the epidermis, and might be 
thus used as a food when nourishment cannot be given by the 
mouth. [The soaps are used for cleansing. The plaster is pro- 
tection against bed-sores. The liniment is used as a cutaneous 
stimulant. That of soft soap is employed for psoriasis, lichen 
and eczema.] 

Internal. — For its soothing protective qualities it may be 
swallowed after corrosive poisons have been taken. It is an excel- 
lent mild laxative, and can be given with food for this purpose. 



576 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Some persons like it ; with others it excites nausea and vomiting. 
An olive oil enema (olive oil, i ; warm mucilage of starch, 2), 
or a soap enema (soap, 1 ; warm water, 32), is often used to 
open the bowels when a mild non-irritating injection is required. 
A gall stone placed in pure olive oil at the temperature of the 
body is slowly dissolved, because cholesterin, which is the chief 
constituent of gall stones, is soluble in olive oil. It is also 
soluble in oleic acid and in animal soaps. Many patients suffer- 
ing from gall stones derive much benefit from taking olive oil. 
This is chiefly because the oil or some of its constituents are 
excreted by the bile, and to a much less extent because the intes- 
tinal peristalsis set up by the olive oil extends to the bile ducts. 
From 2 to 8 fl. oz., [60. to 240. c. c] should be taken daily. 
Some [patients] take it better if a [small quantity] of menthol 
and a drachm [4. c.c] of brandy are added to each half pint 
[240. c. c] of oil. 

Olive oil is a food, but it is not often used in this country as 
such. The history of fats and oils in the body is discussed in 

works on physiology. 

[CHONDRUS. 

CHONDRUS. — Synonyms. — Irish Moss. Carragheen. The entire 
plant of Chondrus crispus Stackhouse, and Gigartina mamillosa J. Agardh 
(class Algce). Habitat. — Atlantic Ocean. 

Characters. — Yellowish or white, horny, translucent; many-times 
forked ; when softened in water, cartilaginous ; shape of the segments varying 
from wedge-shape to linear ; at the apex emarginate or two-lobed. It has a 
slight sea-weed odor, and mucilaginous, somewhat saline taste. 

Composition. — (1) Mucilaginous Compounds, 90 per cent. (2) Albu- 
minoids. (3) Chlorides, sulphates and phosphates, with traces of bromides 
and iodides. 

Dose, 2 to 4 dr.; 8. to 15. gm. 

Action and Uses of Irish Moss. 
Irish Moss is not only a demulcent, but as well, when made 
into a jelly, is a useful article of diet.] 

GLYCERINUM. 

GLYCERIN. — [C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 =9i. 79. A triatomic alcohol. 

Source. — A liquid obtained by the decomposition of vegetable or animal 
fats or fixed oils {see pp. 13 and 574), and containing not less than 95 per 
cent, of absolute Glycerin. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 577 

CHARACTERS. — A clear, colorless liquid, of a thick, syrupy consistence, 
oily to the touch, odorless, very sweet and slightly warm to the taste. When 
exposed to the air, it slowly abstracts moisture. Sp. gr., not less than 1.250. 
Solubility. — In all proportions, in Water or Alcohol ; also soluble in a mixture 
of 3 parts of Alcohol and 1 part of Ether, but insoluble in Ether, Chloroform, 
Carbon Disulphide, Benzin, Benzol, and fixed or volatile oils. 

Glycerin is contained in Elixir Phosphori, Liquor Ferri et Ammonii 
Acetatis, Mucilago Tragacanthse, Massa Hydrargyri, Piluloe Phosphori, in the 
Glycerita and in many Extracta, Extracta Fluida, Syrupi and Tincturae.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 m. ; [.30 to 4.00 ex.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Glyceritum Amyli. — Glycerite of Starch. Starch, 10 ; Water, 
10; Glycerin, 80. 

Dose, freely. 

2. Glyceritum Vitelli. — Glycerite of Yolk of Egg. Synonym. — 
Glyconin. Fresh Yolk of Egg, 45 ; Glycerin, 55. 

Dose, freely. 

(For Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici, Acidi Tannici, Boroglycerini, and 
Hydrastis, reference should be made to each of these substances.) 

3. Supposhoria Glycerini. — Suppositories of Glycerin. Glycerin, 
60 ; Sodium Carbonate, 3 ; Stearic Acid, 5 gm. By solution with heat, 
pouring into ten moulds, and wrapping in tin-foil, when cold. Each 
suppository contains 90 gr. ; 6. gm. of Glycerin. 

Dose, as required.] 

Action of Glycerin. 

External. — As glycerin is an excellent solvent for numerous 
[substances], such as iodine, bromine, alkalies, tannic acid, many 
neutral salts, alkaloids, salicin, etc., it is a good vehicle for 
applying these substances to the skin and to sores. It does not 
evaporate nor turn rancid, and is powerfully hygroscopic. 

Internal. — In man the only visible effect produced by its 
administration is purging. This occurs with quite small doses 
if it is given by the rectum, but large doses are necessary if given 
by the mouth. It is absorbed from the alimentary canal, and is 
to a slight extent a food, for some of it is oxidized in the body. 
Sometimes its administration leads to the appearance in the urine 
of a body which reduces cupric oxide and gives the fermentation 
test for sugar. There has been much dispute as to whether 
37 



578 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

glycerin can control nitrogenous metabolism, but it appears that 
it cannot in any way save the waste of nitrogenous tissues. It 
probably has some influence on the amount of glycogen in the 
liver. It has also been thought to prevent artificial glycosuria, 
but this is doubtful. 

Very large doses in animals cause the urine to be dark from 
the presence of the coloring matter of the blood, although there 
are no corpuscles in it ; they also lead to loss of muscular strength, 
lethargy, dryness of mucous membranes, collapse and death. 

Therapeutics of Glycerin. 

External.- — Glycerin is much employed as a basis for appli- 
cations to the skin and the eye It is commonly used for 
chapped hands and slight excoriations. It is readily absorbed 
when rubbed into the skin, therefore it is a convenient vehicle for 
the absorption of substances by the skin. Belladonna mixed with 
glycerin is often rubbed in when we desire its local anodyne 
action (see p. 353.) [Glycerin as well as boroglycerin {see p. 
256) is used extensively in various local applications in the 
treatment of diseases of women]. 

Internal. — As glycerin is sweet, it is an excellent flavoring 
agent. It is demulcent, and is used as a vehicle for applying 
substances, such as tannic acid, to the throat. It is rarely given 
by the mouth for any medicinal virtue. It has been administered 
for dyspepsia, for diabetes, and as a nutritive agent, but in each 
case without any good result. One to two fl. dr. [4. to 8. c c] 
injected [into] the rectum, or a glycerin suppository, form an excel- 
lent means of opening the bowels in simple constipation, especially 
when the faeces are in the sigmoid flexure and rectum. The 
result is prompt, often occurring within less than half an hour. 
No pain nor constitutional disturbance is produced. 

ACIDUM OLEICUM. 

OLEIC ACID.— HC 18 H 33 2 [r-_28i.38. ■ 

Source. — An organic acid, prepared in a sufficiently pure condition by 
cooling commercial Oleic Acid to about 41 F.; 5 C, then separating and 
preserving the liquid portion.] In the case [that it is obtained from] Olive 
Oil the reaction is C 3 H 5 (C 18 H 33 2 )3 + 3 H 2 = 3 HC 18 H 33 2 +C 3 H 5 (OH 3 ) 
(Glycerin). 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 579 

Characters. — A [yellowish or brownish-yellow, oily liquid, having a 
peculiar, lard- like odor and taste; becoming darker and absorbing Oxygen on 
exposure to air. It becomes semi-solid at 40 F. ; 4.4 C. Sp. gr., about 
0.900. Solubility. — Insoluble in water; soluble in Alcohol, Chloroform, 
Benzol, Benzin, Oil of Turpentine, and fixed and volatile oils.] 

Impurities. — It is rarely pure, usually containing Stearic and Palmitic 
Acids. 

\_Oleic Acid is used to prepare Oleatum Hydrargyri, Oleatum Veratrinoe, 
and Oleatum Zinci.] There is some doubt whether the pharmacopceial oleates 
are chemical combinations or simple solutions. 

Action and Therapeutics of Oleic Acid. 

Oleic acid is used as a solvent for remedies which it is desired 

to apply by means of cutaneous inunction, for it more readily 

penetrates the skin than fats and oils. [Oleates are made from 

the alkaloids, not from their salts. If metals are employed, the 

oxides only are chosen. 

ALTH^A. 

ALTHAEA. — Synonym. — Marshmallow. The root of Althcea officinalis 
Linne (nat. ord. Malvacece). Habitat. — Europe, Western and Northern Asia ; 
naturalized in the Eastern United States and in Australia, in salt marshes ; 
cultivated in Europe. 

Characters. — In cylindrical or somewhat conical pieces, from 10 to 15 
cm. long, 10 to 15 mm. in diameter, deeply wrinkled; deprived of the brown, 
corky layer and small roots; externally white, marked with a number of 
circular spots, and of a somewhat hairy appearance from the loosened bast- 
fibres ; internally whitish and fleshy. It breaks with a short granular and 
mealy fracture, has a faint, aromatic odor, and a sweetish, mucilaginous taste. 

Resembling Althcea. — Young and peeled Belladonna roots, but these have 
no hair-like bast-fibres upon the surface. 

Composition. — (i) Asparagin, i per cent. (2) Bassorin, a mucilage, 
35 per cent. (3) Sugar, 8 per cent. (4) Pectin, 10 per cent. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Althaese. — Syrup of Althaea. Althaea, 50; Alcohol, 30 ; 
Glycerin, 100 ; Sugar, 700; Water to 1000. 
Dose, freely. 

Action and Uses of Marshmallow. 

Marshmallow is used as a demulcent, for irritation and inflam- 
mation of mucous membranes.] 



580 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

AMYGDALA. 

AMYGDALA AMARA.— Bitter Almond. The seed of Prunus 
Amygdalus, var. amara [De Candolle (nat. ord. Rosacea). Habitat. — Western 
Asia ; naturalized in the Mediterranean basin ; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 25 mm. long, oblong-lanceolate, flattish, covered 
with a cinnamon-brown, scurfy testa, marked by about sixteen lines emanating 
from a broad scar at the blunt end. The embryo has the shape of the seed, is 
white, oily, consists of two plano-convex cotyledons, and a short radicle at the 
pointed end, and has a bitter taste. When triturated with water, Bitter 
Almond yields a milk-white emulsion, which emits an odor of Hydrocyanic 
Acid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Oletim Amygdala Ex- 
presswn [see p. 581), 45 per cent., the same fixed oil as in the sweet variety. 
(2) Emulsin. (3) Amygdalin, [C 20 H 27 NO U , a crystalline glucoside, having 
a sweetish- bitter taste,] which yields Oleum Amygdalce Amara. [It is very 
important to distinguish it from the Oleum Amygdalce Expressum, which is 
harmless. The oil of bitter almond is usually very poisonous from admixture 
of Hydrocyanic Acid ; for if moisture has had access to the glucoside Amyg- 
dalin, on which in the presence of water, the emulsin in the almond acts as a 
ferment, the volatile oil of bitter almond (benzaldebyde), glucose and Hydrocy- 
anic Acid are formed.] C 20 H 27 NO 11 +2H 2 O=[C 7 H 6 O] (the volatile oil)-f 
HCN-|-2C 6 H 12 6 . The oil when separated from the [Hydrocyanic] Acid is 
not poisonous, and is used to flavor sweets. An artificial oil of bitter almond 
called Nitrobenzol is often substituted, and has caused death. 

Bitter Almond is contained in Syrupus Amygdalae. 

[OLEUM AMYGDALAE AMARiE- Oil of Bitter Almond. 

Source. — A volatile oil obtained from Bitter Almond by maceration with 
water, and subsequent distillation. 

Characters. — A clear, colorless or yellowish, thin, and strongly refrac- 
tive liquid, having a peculiar, aromatic odor, and a bitter and burning taste. 
Sp. gr. 1.060 to 1.070. Boiling point, about 356 F. ; 180 C. Optically 
inactive. Solubility. — In 300 parts of water, and in Alcohol or Ether in all 
proportions ; also soluble in Nitric Acid at ordinary temperatures without the 
evolution of nitrous vapors. 

Dose, i/£ to y 2 m. ; .01 to .03 c.c. 

Preparations. 

1. Aqua Amygdalae Amarae.- Bitter Almond Water. Oil of 
Bitter Almond, I ; Distilled Water, 999. By solution and filtration. 

Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr. ; 8. to 15. c.c. 

2. Spiritus Amygdalae Amarae. — Spirit of Bitter Almond. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 581 

Synonym. — Essence of Bitter Almond. Oil of Bitter Almond, 10; 
Alcohol, 800 ; Distilled Water, to 1000. 
Dose, 15 to 45 m. ; 1. to 3. c.c.] 

AMYGDALA DULCIS. — Sweet Almond. Synonym. — Jordan 
Almond. [The seed of Prunus Amygdalus, var. dulcis De Candolle (nat. 
ord. Rosacea). Habitat. — Western Asia; naturalized in the Mediterranean 
basin ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Closely resembling the bitter almond {see Amygdala 
Amara), but having a bland, sweetish taste, free from rancidity. When tri- 
turated with water, it yields a milk-white emulsion, free from the odor of 
Hydrocyanic Acid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Oleum Amygdalce Ex- 
pressum {see below), 56 percent., a fixed oil. (2) Emulsin, and other albu- 
minous bodies. 

Impurity. — The bitter almond, giving an odor of [Hydrocyanic] Acid 
when rubbed with water. 

Preparations. 

[1. Emulsum Amygdalae. — Emulsion of Almond. Synonyms. 
— Mistura Amygdalae. Milk of Almond. Sweet Almond, 60; Acacia, 
10 ; Sugar, 30 ; Distilled Water, 1000. 

Dose, indeterminate. 

2. Syrupus Amygdalae. — Syrup of Almond. Sweet Almond, 
140; Bitter Almond, 40; Sugar, 200; Orange Flower Water, 100; 
Water, 130; Syrup to 1000. 

Dose, indeterminate] 

OLEUM AMYGDALA [EXPRESSUM. — Expressed Oil of 
Almond. 

Source. — A fixed oil expressed from Bitter or Sweet Almond. 

Characters. — A clear, pale straw-colored or colorless, oily liquid, 
almost inodorous, and having a mild, nutty taste. Sp. gr. 0.915 to 0.920. 
Solubility. — Only slightly soluble in Alcohol ; soluble in Ether and in Chloro- 
form in all proportions. 

Expressed Oil of Almond is contained in Emulsum Chloroformi and 
Unguentum Aquse Rosae. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Almond. 

The sweet almond is demulcent. Its most important medi- 
cinal use is that it is made into flour to replace starchy food in 
cases of diabetes. Biscuits are made of the flour. These are 



582 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

very palatable, are a good nutritive food, and contain very little 
starch. The only objection to them is their price. With a little 
care they can be made at home. The flour of other nuts, as 
Brazil nuts, has been used, but it is not nearly so palatable. The 
almond [emulsion] is a very pleasant vehicle for the suspension of 
insoluble substances, and its powder [B. P., sweet almond, 8; 
sugar, 4 ; acacia, i] is a palatable basis for powders. The [ex- 
pressed] oil of almond might be used for the same purposes as 
olive oil. It is pleasanter, but very expensive. 

TRAGACANTHA. 

TRAGACANTH. — A gummy exudation from [Astragalus gummifer 
Labillardiere, and from other species of Astragalus (nat. ord. Leguminosce). 
Habitat. — Western Asia. 

Characters. — In narrow or broad bands, more or less curved or con- 
torted, marked by parallel lines, or ridges, white or faintly yellowish, translu- 
cent, horn-like, tough, and rendered more easily pulverizable by a heat of 
122° F. ; 50 C. Very sparingly soluble in cold water, but swells into a gela- 
tinous mass, which is tinged violet (not so deep as the color given by starch 
by tincture of iodine.] Resembling Tragacanth. — Squill, which is thicker 
and opaque. 

Impurities. — Other gums. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Bassorin C 3 H 10 O 5 , a gum 
33 per cent. , only slightly soluble in water, unfermentable. (2) Arabin,$$ 
per cent., which resembles, but is not identical with the Arabin of Acacia. 
Precipitated by lead acetate. (3) A little starch. 

[ Tragacanth is contained in several Trochisci. 

Preparation. 
Mucilago Tragacanthse. — Mucilage of Tragacanth. Tragacanth 
6; Glycerin, 18; Water to 100. By heating, maceration and straining. 
Dose, indeterminate.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Tragacanth. 
Tragacanth is a demulcent, and as such maybe soothing when 
applied to a sore throat. Its chief use is to suspend insoluble 
bodies, as resins, oils, and insoluble powders. 

ACACIA. 
[ACACIA. — Synonym. — Gum Arabic. A gummy exudation from 
Acacia Senegal Willdenow (nat. ord. Legttminosai) . Habitat. — Eastern 
Africa, principally Kordofan ; Western Africa, near the river Senegal. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 583 

Characters. — In roundish tears of various sizes, or broken into angular 
fragments, with a glass-like, sometimes iridescent fracture, opaque from 
numerous fissures, but transparent and nearly colorless in thin pieces ; nearly 
inodorous ; taste insipid, mucilaginous ; insoluble in Alcohol, but soluble in 
water, forming a thick, mucilaginous liquid.- Solubility. — Slowly but com- 
pletely soluble in 2 parts of water; insoluble in Alcohol.] 

Composition. — The chief constituent is Arabin, C 12 H 22 O n ; combined 
with Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium. This is not affected by lead acetate. 

Impurities. — Starch, and gum resins. 

Incompatibles. — Alcohol, sulphuric acid, borax, ferric salts and lead 
subacetate. 

[ Acacia is contained in Emulsum Amygdalae, Pulvis Cretae Compositus, 
and in some Trochisci. 

Preparations. 

1. Mucilago Acaciae. — Mucilage of Acacia. Acacia, 340; 
Water, to 1000. 

Mucilage of Acacia is contained in Mistura Glycyrrhizae Com- 
posita and Syrupus Acaciae. 
Dose, freely. 

2. Syrupus Acacise. — Syrup of Acacia. Mucilage of Acacia, 
25 ; Syrup, 75. 

Dose, freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Acacia. 
Acacia is demulcent. It is used to suspend insoluble sub- 
stances, as oils, resins, and insoluble powders. A fluid ounce 
[30. c. c] of most oils or resinous tinctures requires 3 fl. dr. [12. 
c.c] of mucilage of acacia for suspension, but copaiba requires 
10 fl. dr. [40. c.c.]. A disadvantage of it is that it is liable to 
ferment and decompose. It may give rise to indigestion and 
diarrhoea. 

ULMUS. 

[ELM. — Synonym. —Slippery Elm Bark. The inner bark of Ulmus 
fulva Michaux (nat. ord. Urticacece). Habitat. — North America, west to 
Louisiana and Nebraska, in woods. 

Characters. — In flat pieces, varying in length and width, about 3 mm. 
thick, tough, pale brownish white, the inner surface finely ridged ; fracture 
fibrous and mealy; the transverse section delicately checkered; odor slight, 
peculiar; taste mucilaginous, insipid. 

Composition. — Tt contains— (1) Mucilage. (2) Some Tannic Acid. 

Dose, 2 dr. ; 8. gm., or more. 



584 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDIC A. 

Preparation. 

Mucilago Ulmi. — Mucilage of Elm. Elm, 6; Boiling Water, 
ioo. By digestion and straining. 
Dose, freely. 

Action and Uses of Slippery Elm Bark. 
Slippery Elm bark is an excellent demulcent. It is especially 
recommended in dysentery, diarrhoea and diseases of the urinary 
passages. It is often employed to make poultices, especially for 
use upon children, because it is lighter than flaxseed.] 

GLYCYRRHIZA. 

GL.YCYRRHIZA.— [Synonym.— Liquorice Root. The root of Gly- 
cyrrhiza glabra Linne, and of the variety giandulifera (Waldstein et Kittai_ 
bel) Reger et Herder (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Southern Europe 
and Western-Asia; cultivated. 

Characters. — In long, cylindrical pieces, from 5 to 25 mm. thick 
longitudinally wrinkled, externally grayish-brown, warty; internally tawny- 
yellow; pliable, tough; fracture coarsely fibrous; bark rather thick; wood 
porous, but dense, in narrow wedges; medullary rays linear; taste sweet, 
somewhat acrid. The underground stem, which is often present, has the same 
appearance, but contains a thin pith. The drug derived from the variety 
giandulifera (so-called Russian Liquorice), consists usually of roots or root- 
branches, 1 to 4 cm. thick, 15 to 30 cm. long, frequently deprived of the 
corky layer, the wood rather soft, and usually more or less cleft.] Resembling 
Liquorice. — Pyrethrum and Taraxacum, which are not sweet. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Glycyrrhizin [C 24 H 36 
9 , about 6 per cent.], a yellow amorphous glucoside, probably in combina- 
tion with Ammonia. With acids this yields a very bitter substance, Glycyrrhe- 
tin, and glucose. (2) Asparagin, [about 3 per cent. (3) Glycyramin. (4) 
An acrid Resin.] (5) Starch. 

\_Glycyrrhiza is zised in Decoctum Sarsaparillae Com posi turn, Extra ctum 
Sarsaparillae Fluidum Compositum, Massa Hydrargyri, Pilulse Ferri Iodidi, 
Pulvis Morphinse Compositus, Tinctura Aloes, and Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae ] 

Liquorice or its preparations are contained in many preparations, gener- 
ally to cover their nauseous taste. They [conceal] very well that of Aloes 
[Rhamnus Purshiana], Ammonium Chloride, Hyoscyamus, Senega, Senna, 
Turpentine, and bitter sulphates, as Quinine Sulphate. 

Preparations. 
1. Extractum Glycyrrhizse. — [Extract of Glycyrrhiza. — Syno- 
nym. — Extract of Liquorice. 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 585 

Characters. — In flattened, cylindrical rolls, from 15 to 18 cm. 
long, and from 15 to 30 mm. thick ; of a glossy, black color. It 
breaks with a sharp, conchoidal, shining fracture, and has a very sweet 
peculiar taste. Not less than 60 per cent, of it should be soluble in 
cold water. 

Extract of Glycyrrhiza is contained in Trochisci Ammonii Chlo- 
ridi and Trochisci Glycyrrhizae et Opii. 

Dose, freely. 

2. Extractum Glycyrrhizae Purum. — Pure Extract of Gly- 
cyrrhiza. By maceration and percolation with Water of Ammonia and 
Distilled Water, and evaporation. 

Pure Extract of Glycyrrhiza is used to make Mistura Glycyrrhizae 
Composita. 

Dose, freely. 

3. Extractum Glycyrrhizae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Gly- 
cyrrhiza. By maceration and percolation with water of Ammonia, 
Alcohol and water, and evaporation. 

Dose, freely. 

4. Glycyrrhizinum Ammoniatum. — Ammoniated Glycyrrhizin. 
Source. — Glycyrrhiza, by maceration and percolation with Water 

of Ammonia and Water; precipitation with Sulphuric Acid, solution 
with Water of Ammonia, and drying. 

Characters. — Dark-brown or brownish-red scales, without odor, 
and having a very sweet taste. Solubility. — Readily in Water and in 
Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

5. Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus. — See Senna, p. 465. 

6. [Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita. — Compound Mixture of 
Glycyrrhiza. Synonym. Brown Mixture. Pure Extract of Glycyr- 
rhiza, 30; Sugar, 50 ; Mucilage of Acacia, 100; Camphorated Tincture 
of Opium, 120; Wine of Antimony, 60; Spirit of Nitrous Ether, 30; 
Water, to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Liquorice. 
Liquorice is an excellent demulcent for sore throats. It is 
used to conceal the taste of [disagreeable] medicines, and as a 
basis for pills. The compound liquorice powder is laxative by 
virtue of its senna [although liquorice itself has distinct laxative 
properties]. 



586 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



LINUM. 



[LINSEED. — Synony?n. — Flaxseed. The seed of Linum usitatissimum 
Linne (nat. ord. Linece). Habitat. — Levant and Southern Europe; cultivated 
and spontaneous in most temperate countries. 

Characters. — About 4 or 5 mm. long, oblong-ovate, flattened, ob- 
liquely pointed at one end, brown, glossy, covered with a transparent, mucila- 
ginous epithelium, which swells considerably in water; the embryo whitish or 
pale greenish, with two large, oily, plano-convex cotyledons, and a thin peri- 
sperm; inodorous; taste mucilaginous, oily and bitter. 

Composition. (i)'-A- viscid, fixed oil, 30 to 35 per cent, in the embryo. 
(2) Mucilage, 15 per cent, in the epithelium. (3) Proteids, 25 per cent. (4) 
Amygdalin, a minute quantity.] 

OLEUM LINI.— [Linseed Oil. Synonym.— Oil of Flaxseed. A fixed 
oil expressed from Linseed without the use of heat. 

Characters. — A yellowish or yellow, oily liquid, having a slight, pecu- 
liar odor, and a bland taste. When exposed to the air it gradually thickens, 
and acquires a strong odor and taste. Sp. gr., 0.930 to 0.940. Solubility. — 
In about 10 parts of Alcohol, and in all proportions in Ether, Chloroform, 
Benzin, Carbon Disulphide, or Oil of Turpentine. 

Composition. — Its most characteristic principles are — (1) Linolein. (2) 
Myristin. (3) Palmitin. (4) Albumin, a large percentage, to which its 
drying properties are due.) 

Dose, y z to 2 fi. oz.; [15. to 60. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Flaxseed. 

Flaxseed tea [flaxseed, 3; liquorice, 1; boiling water, 100] 
is a common domestic demulcent ; the large quantity of mucilage 
it contains forms a coating for the pharynx and mouth, and 
thus relieves cough due to sore throat. It is said to be slightly 
diuretic. A flaxseed poultice [4 to 10 of boiling water] is a very- 
common means of applying warmth and moisture to a part. It is 
used to relieve pain, and as a mild irritant to accelerate inflam- 
mation and the bursting of an abscess, or as a counter-irritant 
in all sorts of deep-seated inflammations. The poultices should 
not be too thick, and should be smeared with oil to prevent their 
sticking to the skin. [Oil of flaxseed] is applied to burns. Mixed 
with an equal quantity of solution of lime it forms Carron Oil 
(see p. 1 49O 



VEGETABLE DEMULCENT SUBSTANCES. 587 

HORDEUM DECORTICATUM. 

PEARL BARLEY. [B. P., not official.]— The dried seed of Hordeum 
distichum (nat. ord. Graminacece) divested of its integuments. \_Habitat. — 
Britain.] 

Characters. — White, rounded, with a light longitudinal furrow. 

Action and Therapeutics of Pearl Barley. 
Barley water [B. P., i to 15 of water] forms a pleasant demul- 
cent drink, especially if the throat be dry and sore. [It is also 
given for the diarrhoeas of infants.] 

MALTUM. 

MALT. (Not official.) Synonym. — Byne. The seed of common 
barley, Hordeum distichum (nat. ord. Graminacece) , caused to enter the in- 
cipient state of germination by artificial means, and dried. It contains the 
ferment Diastase, which can convert starch into Dextrin and Maltose. Thus 
io(C 6 H 10 O 5 )n -(- 4nH 2 = 4nC 12 H 22 O n , Maltose -f- (C 12 H 20 O 10 )n, Dextrin. 

EXTRACTUM MALTI.— [(Not official.)— Extract of Malt. By 
maceration, dilution with Water, straining and evaporation in vacuo of the 
strained liquid.] 

Characters. — It is a sweet, thick, brownish liquid, like honey, forming 
an emulsion with oils. [Most specimens are too viscid for prolonged use.] 

Composition. — This varies very much. The chief constituent is Maltose 
(C 12 H 22 O n ); there is also some Dextrin (C 12 H 20 O ]0 ), some Diastase (unless 
destroyed by boiling), Albumin, [Inorganic] salts [contained in] barley, and 
sometimes Alcohol. 

[Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Malt. 
Maltose is a very valuable food, especially for persons who 
are suffering from wasting diseases, and have a feeble digestion. 
It is easily retained by the stomach, even when, as often is the 
case in phthisis, other food, especially cod liver oil, is rejected. 
In such a case a malt extract is an excellent substitute for cod 
liver oil. Maltose as a food leads to the formation of fat. The 
diastase contained in the malt extract, acting upon the starch in 
farinaceous food, converts it into dextrin and maltose, and thus, 
if the secretion of saliva and pancreatic juice is feeble, the malt 
extract to some extent supplies their place. Like the ferments in 
pancreatic juice and saliva, diastase can only act in an alkaline 
medium, and therefore should not be given until, at least, two 



588 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

hours after a meal. [Inasmuch as diastase is a most important 
constituent, all malts should be rejected which do not contain at 
least 4 per cent, of diastase. The liquid malts containing alcohol, 
which destroys this ferment, are worthless for assisting starch diges- 
tion and are usually only beers of an inferior quality. Malt extract, 
to which a suitable amount of fluid extract of rhamus purshiana 
has been added, is an excellent laxative.] A mixture of extract 
of malt and iron is also valuable (ferric pyrophosphate, 2 ; water, 
3; dissolve and add extract of malt, 95. Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. 
[4. to 15. c. c.]). 

SOJA. 

SOJA BEAN. (Not official.)— The bean of Sofa hispida. [Habitat. 
— Japan ; cultivated in Southern Asia. 

Composition. — Soluble Casein, 30 ; Albumin, 0.5; Insoluble Casein, 7; 
Fat, 18; Cholesterin, 2; Water, 10; Dextrin, 10; Starch, 5; Cellulose, 5; 
Ash, 5 ; and a powerful amylolytic ferment.] These are powdered and made 
into a flour, from which bread and biscuits are prepared. The flour contains 
but very little starch or sugar, sometimes not more than 2 or 4 per cent. 

Action and Therapeutics of Soja Bean. 

Bread and biscuits made from the flour are used in the treat- 
ment of diabetes as a substitute for gluten bread ; and many 
patients prefer the taste. They are quite as efficacious in reducing 
the amount of sugar passed in the urine. 

CETRARIA. 

CETRARIA. — Synonym. — Iceland Moss. Cetraria islandica [(Linne) 
Acharius (class Lichenes). Habitat. — Northern Hemisphere. 

Characters. — From 5 to 10 cm. long, foliaceous, irregularly branched 
into fringed and channelled lobes, brownish above, whitish beneath, and 
marked with small, depressed spots ; brittle and inodorous ; when softened in 
water, cartilaginous, and having a slight odor; its taste is mucilaginous and 
bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Lichenin, [C 12 H 20 O 10 ], 
70 per cent. (2) Cetraric Acid, [C 18 H 16 O g ], a bitter principle, 2 per cent. 
[(3) Lichen stearic Acid, C u H 34 3 , I per cent. (4) Fumaric Acid. (5) 
Oxalic Acid. 

Impurities. — Pine leaves, mosses and other lichens.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED TO KILL PARASITES. 589 

Preparation. 
Decoctum Cetrariae. — [Decoction of Cetraria. Cetraria, 50. By- 
boiling in Water and straining to 1000.] 

Dose, 1 to 4 fi. oz.; [30. to 120. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Iceland Moss. 
The decoction is demulcent, and may be given in sore throat. 
The moss is a food, and the jelly formed by boiling may, when 
suitably flavored, be taken by diabetics. 

UViE. 

RAISINS. [B. P., not official.]— The ripe fruit of Vitis vinifera (nat. 
ord. Ampelidce), the grape-vine, dried in the sun, or partly by artificial heat. 
\_Habilat.~] — Spain. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Grape Sugar. (2) Acid 
Potassium Tartrate. (3) Other acids and salts. 

Action and Therapeutics of Raisins. 
Raisins are used as sweetening agents, and are demulcent. 



GROUP X. 

Vegetable Drugs which are used to kill parasites. 

Class I. Anthelmintics for the various species of Tapeworm . 
Aspidium, Pomegranate, Kousso, Kamala, [Pepo.] 
Class II. Anthehnintics for the Roundworm [Ascaris lumbricoides). 
Santonica, [Spigelia, Chenopodium. ] 
Class III. Parasiticides used for Pediculi. 
Stavesacre, Picrotoxin. 

Class IV. Anthelmintics for the Threadworm (Oxyuris vermicularis). 
[Calumba, Quassia, Oak Bark.] 

These have been described in Groups VII and VIII, to which reference 
should be made.] 

Class I.— ANTHELMINTICS USED FOR TAPEWORMS. 
ASPIDIUM. 
[ASPIDIUM. — Synonym. — Male Fern. The rhizome of Dryopteris 
Filix-mas Schott, and of Dryopteris marginalis Asa Gray (nat. ord. Filices). 
Habitat. — North America, Northern Asia, Europe. 



590 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — From 5 to 15 cm. long, 10 to 25 mm. in thickness, and, 
together with the closely imbricated, dark brown, roundish, and slightly curved 
stipe-remnants, 50 to 75 mm. in diameter; densely covered with brown, glossy, 
transparent, and soft, chaffy scales ; internally pale green, rather spongy; vas- 
cular bundles about ten (Dryopteris Filix-mas) or six (Dryopteris marginalii) 
in number, arranged in an interrupted circle ; odor slight, but disagreeable ; 
taste sweetish, acrid, somewhat bitter, astringent, and nauseous.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (x) Filicic acid, [C 35 H 42 13 , 
a white, amorphous or] crystalline body, said to be the active principle. (2) A 
fixed oil, 6 to 7 per cent. (3) \_Filicin y C 35 H 40 O 12 , a crystalline substance, 
soluble in Chloroform, Benzol and fixed and volatile oils. (4) Filix-red] 
(5) Resins. 

Dose, y 2 to \y z dr. ; 2. to 6. gm.] 

Prepai'ation. 
Oleoresina Aspidii. — Oleoresin of Aspidium. By percolation 
with Ether, distillation of the Ether, and evaporation. 
Dose, y to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Male Fern. 
[Aspidium] is the most certain anthelmintic we have for the 
common tapeworm (Tcenia solium), and the Boihriocephalus 
latus. It may be flavored with ginger or peppermint. The intestine 
should first be emptied with a little castor oil to ensure the worm not 
being protected by food. Then the [aspidium] should be adminis- 
tered, and about twelve hours afterwards another dose of castor oil 
should be given to clear away the dead worm. Very little food 
should be taken during the treatment, and the head of the worm 
should be carefully searched for in the motion. [Recently several 
cases of poisoning have been reported, presumably not due to an 
excessive dose, but to the fact that castor oil was administered at 
the same time with it, notably increasing its absorption]. 

GRANATUM. 

[POMEGRANATE. — The bark of the stem and root of Punica 
Granatum Linne (nat. ord. Lythrariece). Habitat. — India and Southwestern 
Asia; cultivated and naturalized in subtropical countries. 

Characters. — In the quills or fragments, from 5 to 10 cm. long, and 
from 1 to 3 mm. thick; outer surface yellowish-gray, somewhat warty, or 
longitudinally and reticulately ridged; the stem-bark often partly covered with 
blackish lichens ; the thicker pieces of the root-bark more or less scaly exter- 
nally; inner surface smooth, finely striate, grayish-yellow; fracture short, 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED TO KILL PARASITES. 591 

granular, greenish-yellow ; indistinctly radiate ; inodorous ; taste astringent, 
very slightly bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— [(i) Pelletierine , C 8 H 13 NO, 
yi per cent., a colorless, oily, aromatic alkaloid, soluble in water, Alcohol, 
Ether and Chloroform. (2) Three allied alkaloids, Methyl-, Pseudo-, and 
Isopelletierine. (3) Punicotannic Acid, C 20 H 16 O 13 , 20 per cent.] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies, lime water, metallic salts, and gelatin. 

Dose, y 2 to \y z dr.; [2. to 6. gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Pomegranate. 

Pomegranate is a powerful astringent, and the decoction 
[B. P., 1 to 10] may be used as a gargle for a sore throat. In large 
doses it is emetic and purgative. It is believed to be anthel- 
mintic for the tapeworm. It is usually said that pelletierine 
[dose of tannate, (not official), 3 to 6 gr. ; .20 to .40 gm.] is the 
active anthelmintic principle; but according to some the tape- 
worm is not killed, but is expelled by the purgative, by which a 
dose of the decoction is usually followed. 

cusso. 

KOUSSO. — Synonyms. — [Brayera. Kooso. The female inflorescence 
of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) Gmelin (nat. ord. Rosacea). Habitat. — 
Abyssinia. 

Characters. — -In bundles, rolls, or compressed clusters, consisting of 
panicles about 25 cm. long, with a sheathing bract at the base of each branch ; 
the two roundish bracts at the base of each flower, and the four or five obovate, 
outer sepals are of a reddish color, membranous and veiny ; calyx top-shaped, 
hairy, enclosing two carpels or nutlets ; odor slight, fragrant and tea-like ; taste 
bitter, acrid, and nauseous. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Kosin or] Koussin, a 
neutral, active principle, [in yellow crystals, tasteless, soluble in Chloroform, 
Benzol, Ether and Alcohol; insoluble in water. (2) Oil. (3) Gum. (4) 
Tannic Acid. (5) Two Resins. 

Dose, 2 to 4 dr. ; 8. to 15. gm.] 

Preparation. 

[Extractum Cusso Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Kousso. Syn- 
onym. — Extractum Brayerae Fluidum. By maceration and percolation 
with Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c] 



592 organic materia medica. 

Action and Therapeutics of Kousso. 
Kousso is used as an anthelmintic for all species of tapeworm. 
[Koussin (not official) has been given with good results. Dose, 
20 to 40 gr. ; 1.20 to 2.40 gm.] 

KAMALA. 

K AM ALA. — \_Synonym. — Rottlera. The glands and hairs from the 
capsules of Mallotus philippinensis (Lamarck) Mueller Arg. (nat. ord. 
Euphorbiacece). Habitat. — India, China and Philippine Islands. 

Characters. — A granular, mobile, brick-red or brownish-red powder, 
inodorous and nearly tasteless, imparting a deep red color to alkaline liquids, 
Alcohol, Ether, or Chloroform, and a pale, yellow tinge to boiling water. 
Under the microscope it is seen to consist of stellately arranged, colorless 
hairs, mixed with depressed-globular glands, containing numerous red, club- 
shaped vesicles.] Solubility. — Insoluble in hot and cold water. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Rottlerin, [C 22 H 20 O 6 , a 
neutral principle in yellowish needles, soluble in hot Alcohol, Ether, Benzol, 
and Carbon Disulphide. (2) Resins, nearly 80 per cent.] 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; [4. to 8. gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Kamala. 

Kamala is an anthelmintic. It will kill the Tcenia solium, 
and probably the Oxyuris vermicularis and the Ascaris lumbri- 
coides. It is also purgative. 

[PEPO. 

PUMPKIN SEED.— The seed of Cucurbita Pepo Linne (nat. ord. 
Cticurbitacece). Habitat. — Tropical Asia and America; cultivated. 

Characters.: — About 2 cm. long, broadly ovate, flat, white, or whitish, 
nearly smooth, with a shallow groove parallel to the edge ; containing a 
short, conical radicle and two flat cotyledons ; inodorous ; taste bland and 
oily. 

Composition. — (1) Fixed oil, 44 per cent. (2) An Acrid Resin, con- 
sidered to be the tseniafuge principle. (3) Two Proteids [Myosin and Vitellin). 
(4) Fatty Acids. 

Dose, 1 to 3 oz. ; 30. to go. gm. 

Action and Uses of Pumpkin Seed. 

Pepo administered as an emulsion is one of the most efficient 
and at the same time harmless taeniafuges.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED TO KILL PARASITES. 593 

Class II.— ANTHELMINTICS USED FOR THE ROUND WORM. 
SANTONICA. 

SANTONICA. — [Synonym. — Levant Wormseed. The unexpanded 
flower-heads of Artemisia pauciflora Weber (nat. ord. Composite). Habitat. — 
Turkestan. 

Characters. — From 2 to 4 mm. long, oblong-ovoid, obtuse, smooth, 
somewhat glossy, grayish-green, after exposure to light brownish-green, con- 
sisting of an involucre of about 12 to 18 closely imbricated, glandular scales 
with a broad midrib, enclosing four or five rudimentary florets ; odor strong 
peculiar, somewhat camphoraceous ; taste aromatic and bitter.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Santonin {see below). 
(2) A volatile oil, 2 per cent., [consisting mainly of Cineol, C 10 H 18 O.] 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

SANTONINUM.— Santonin. C 15 H 18 3 [=245.43. A neutral prin- 
ciple obtained from Santonica. 

Source. — By exhausting Santonica, mixed with Lime, with Diluted Alco- 
hol, distilling off the Alcohol, and adding Acetic Acid to the residue. The 
precipitated Santonin is purified by dissolving it in Alcohol, treating with 
Animal Charcoal, and crystallizing. 

Characters. — Colorless, shining, flattened, prismatic crystals, odorless 
and nearly tasteless when first put in the mouth, but afterwards developing a 
bitter taste ; not altered by exposure to air, but turning yellow on exposure to 
light. Solubility. — Nearly insoluble in water; soluble in 40 parts of Alcohol; 
also soluble in 140 parts of Ether, in 4 parts of Chloroform, and in solutions of 
Caustic Alkalies ] 

Dose, ^ to 1 gr.; [.015 to .06 gm. (child), 1 to 5 gr.; .06 to .30 gm.] 
(adult). 

Preparation. 

Trochisci Santonini. — [Troches of Santonin. Santonin, 3; Sugar, 
HO; Tragacanth, 3 gm. ; Stronger Orange Flower Water, to make 100 
troches. Each troche contains about j4, gr. ; .03 gm. 

Dose, 2 (child) to 10 troches (adult).] 

Action of Santonin. 
Santonin is anthelmintic, killing the roundworm, As- 
carts lurnbricoides, and according to some authorities the Oxyuris 
vermicularis, but this is doubtful. It has no action on tapeworms. 
Santonin is absorbed as sodium santoninate. Medicinal doses 
will usually cause the urine, if it is acid, to be a greenish-yellow 
or saffron color, and if it is alkaline to be purplish-red. This 
38 



594: ORGANIC MATERIA MED1CA. 

is due to the excretion in that fluid of some substance resulting 
from the changes undergone by santonin in the body. It is 
slightly diuretic. Often even small doses lead to xanthopsy 
— that is to say, everything the patient sees has a yellow tint ; 
probably this is the result of the staining of the tissues of the 
eye yellow. 

Therapeutics of Santonin. 

Santonin is used solely to kill intestinal worms. It should be 

given on an empty stomach, and should be followed in two hours 

by a purgative, such as calomel, which acts on the small intestine, 

for this is the part inhabited by the worms killed by santonin. 

It is certainly very efficacious for the Ascaris lumbricoides. The 

lozenge [B. P., i gr., .06 gm. each] is not to be recommended, 

for it may not dissolve, and then will probably fail to kill the 

worm. A good way to - give santonin is to suspend it and castor 

oil in mucilage flavored with peppermint. As already mentioned, 

probably it has no effect on the Oxyuris vermicularis, when given 

by the mouth, but a suppository made with oil of theobroma, 

and containing 4 gr., 25 gm. of santonin, is said to kill this 

parasite. 

[Toxicology.] 

[Symptoms .] — Several cases of fatal poisoning by santonin are on record. 
Cerebral symptoms are very prominent. Thus convulsions, accompanied by 
unconsciousness, trismus, and dilated pupils, are generally present. The sur- 
face becomes cold, there is sweating, there may be trembling, the pulse and 
respiration become weaker and weaker, and death takes place from cardiac 
and respiratory failure. 

[ Treatment. — Ammonia, or strychnine sulphate hypodermatically. If the 
drug is given with castor oil the danger of poisoning is lessened.] 

[SPIGELIA. 

SPIGELIA. — Synonyms. — Pinkroot. Carolina Pink. The rhizome 
and roots of Spigelia marilandica Linne (nat. ord. Loganiacece). Habitat. — 
Southern United States ; westward to Texas and Wisconsin, in rich woods. 

Characters. Of horizontal growth, about 5 cm. or more long, 2 or 3 
mm. thick, dark purplish brown, bent, somewhat branched, on the upper side 
with cup-shaped scars ; on the lower side with numerous, thin, brittle, lighter- 
colored roots, about 10 cm. long ; the rhizome internally with a whitish wood 
and a pith which is usually dark-colored or decayed ; odor somewhat aroma- 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED TO KILL PARASITES. 595 

tic; taste sweetish, bitter and pungent. Resembling Spigelia root. — Phlox 
Carolina, but the rootlets are brownish-yellow, rather coarse, straight, and 
contain a straw-colored wood underneath a readily removable bark. 

Composition.— (i) Spigeline, a volatile alkaloid. (2) A little volatile 
oil. (3) Bitter principle. (4) Resin. 

Dose, ]l to 2 dr. ; 1. to 3. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Spigelian Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Spigelia. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, X t( 5 2 fl - dr -J 1 to 8 - c - c - 

Action and Uses of Spigelia. 

Spigelia is one of the most powerful anthelmintics. It may- 
give rise to symptoms of narcotic poisoning, which, however, 
may be obviated by its combination with a cathartic like senna. 

CHENOPODIUM. 

CHENOPODIUM. — Synonym. — American Wormseed. The fruit of 
Chenopodmm ambrosioid.es Linne, and variety anthelminticum Gray (nat. ord. 
Chenopodiacecz). Habitat. — West India and Central America ; naturalized in 
the United States. 

Characters. — Nearly 2 mm. in diameter, depressed-globular, glandular, 
dull greenish or brownish, the integuments friable, and containing a lenticular, 
obtusely-edged, glossy, black seed. It has a peculiar, somewhat terebinthinate 
odor, and a bitterish, pungent taste. 

Composition. — It is composed chiefly of a volatile oil, consisting of (1) 
a hydrocarbon, C 10 H 16 , and (2) a liquid, oxygenated oil, C 10 H 16 O. 

Dose, 15 to 30 gr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

OLEUM CHENOPODII. — Oil of Chenopodium. Synonym.— Oil 
of American Wormseed. A volatile oil distilled from Chenopodium. 

Characters. — A thin, colorless or yellowish liquid, having a peculiar, 
penetrating, somewhat camphoraceous odor, and a pungent and bitter taste. 
Sp. gr., about 0.970. 

Dose, 2 to 10 m. ; .12 to .60 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Chenopoduim. 

Wormseed is one of the most efficient anthelmintics, particu- 
arly against Ascwides, but it should be followed by a carthar- 
tic] 



596 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Class III.— PARASITICIDES USED FOR PEDICULI. 
STAPHISAGRIA. 

STAPHISAGRIA.— [Synonym. — Stavesacre. The seed of Delphinium 
Staphisagria Linne (nat. ord. Ranunculacece). Habitat.- — Basin of the Med- 
iterranean ; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 5 mm. long, 3 or 4 mm. broad, flattish-tetrahedral, 
one side convex, brown or brownish-gray, with reticulate ridges, containing a 
whitish, oily albumen and a straight embryo ; nearly inodorous ; taste bitter 
and acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Delphinine, [C 22 H 35 N0 6 , 
a white, crystalline, poisonous alkaloid, soluble in Alcohol, Ether and Chloro- 
form, resembling Aconite in its action. (2) Delphinoidine, C 42 H 68 N 2 7 , an 
amorphous alkaloid; solubility as of Delphinine. (3) Delphisine, C 27 H 46 N 2 4 , 
a crystalline alkaloid of the same solubility. (4) Staphisagrine, C 22 H 32 N0 5 , 
an alkaloid but slightly soluble in water. (5) Fixed oil, 25 per cent.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Staphisagria. 

[Staphisagria] is only used as a parasiticide tokillpediculi. 
The affected part is rubbed with the ointment, [B. P., 1 to ben- 
zoinated lard. 2] which, in the case of pediculi vestimentorum, is 
allowed to soak, day and night, into the garments next to the 
skin, for the parasite inhabits them. 

PICROTOXINUM. 

PICROTOXIN. — C 30 H 34 O 13 [=6oo.58. A neutral principle obtained 
from the seed of Anamirta panic ulata Colebrooke (nat. ord. Menispermacece). 
Synonyms. — Cocculus Indicus. Fishberry. Habitat. — East India. 

Source. — Obtained by exhaustion with hot Alcohol, evaporation and 
purification by recrystallization, after decolorizing with Animal Charcoal. 

Characters. — Colorless, flexible, shining, prismatic crystals, or a micro- 
crystalline powder, odorless, and having a very bitter taste; permanent in the 
air. Solubility. — Soluble in 240 parts of water, and in 9 parts of Alcohol; 
also soluble in solutions of the alkalies, and in acids. Very slightly soluble in 
Ether or Chloroform.] 

Dose, T i- - to gL gr. ; [.0005 to .001 gm.] 

Action of Picrotoxin. 

External. — Picrotoxin is very destructive to lower f6rms of 
life, and is therefore antiparasitic. 

Internal. — It is a powerful poison, causing convulsions, 



VEGETABLE DRUGS HAVING A DIURETIC ACTION. 597 

hyperpyrexia and stimulation of the respiratory centre. Its mode 
of action is unknown. 

Therapeutics of Picrotoxin. 

External. — An ointment of the seeds in lard [i to 6] has 
been applied to the scalp to kill pediculi. It must be employed 
with caution, for this strong poison can be absorbed if the skin 
be broken. It is an expensive ointment. 

Internal. — Picrotoxin is used empirically, to check the 
night sweating of phthisis. A single dose should be given in 
the evening. Its action is uncertain, but sometimes it succeeds. 
Many other diseases have been treated with it, but there is no 
evidence that it has benefited them. [Tablets], each containing 
tfo of a grain [.0006 gra.], are prepared for subcutaneous injec- 
tion. One should be dissolved in a few drops of water imme- 
diately before use. 



GROUP XI. 

Vegetable drugs apparently having only a diuretic 

action. 

Uva Ursi, [Apocynum, Zea,] Triticum, [Marrubium, Pareira, 
Dulcamara, Chimaphila, Fabiana.] 

UVA URSI. 

UVA URSI. — Synonym. — Bearberry. The [leaves of Arctostaphylos 
Uva Ursi (Linne) Sprengel (nat. ord. Ericacece). Habitat. — Northern Hemi- 
sphere, in dry and sandy or rocky places ; in the United States, south to Penn- 
sylvania, New Mexico, and California. 

Characters. — Very short-stalked, obovate or oblong-spatulate, coria- 
ceous, from 15 to 20 mm. long, and 5 to 8 mm. broad, obtuse, slightly revolute 
on the margin, upper surface with depressed veins; lower surface distinctly 
reticu'ate; odor faint, hay-like; taste strongly astringent, and somewhat bitter. 
Resembling Uva Ursi. — Senna {see p. 464) and Buchu {see p. 539.)] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Arbutin, [C 12 H 16 7> ] a 
bitter, crystalline glucoside yielding glucose, hydroquinone and methyl-hydro- 
quinone. (2) Ericolin [C 10 H ]6 O, a bitter, crystalline glucoside. (3) Ursone, 
a tasteless neutral body. (4) Tannic Acid, 6 to 7 per cent. (5 ) Gallic Acid. 

Incompatibles. — Iron, lead and silver salts, alkaloids, and gelatin. 

Dose, % to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm.] 



598 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparations. 

[i. Extractum Uvae Ursi. — Extract of Uva Ursi. By macera- 
tion and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

2. Extractum Uvae Ursi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Uva Ursi. 
By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, X to 1 fl. dr.; 1. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Uva Ursi. 

Uva ursi is a well-marked diuretic, and is astringent and 
disinfectant to the urinary mucous membrane. Its dis- 
infectant action is probably due to the decomposition of the arbu- 
tin into glucose and hydroquinone, for after uva ursi is given 
this substance is found in the urine, and it is a very energetic 
antiseptic. This decomposition must take place in the kidneys, 
for hydroquinone is a powerful poison. Against this being the 
reason of the disinfectant action of uva ursi, it is urged that 
giving arbutin does not disinfect the urine ; but others deny this, 
and the probability is that the first-mentioned view is correct. 
Arbutin is a powerful diuretic. The urine may be a pale greenish 
to dark greenish-brown color. Hydroquinone is also found in the 
urine in carbolic acid poisoning {see p 309). [The fluid extract 
is an excellent remedy for ardor urinse of acute gonorrhoea.] 
The astringent action of uva ursi on the urinary tract is usually 
ascribed to the tannic acid ; but as it is not a remote astringent, 
this is most likely wrong. 

" Therapeutics of Uva Ursi. 

Uva ursi is given to disinfect the urine in the same class of 
cases as buchu — that is to say, in pyelitis, cystitis and gonorrhoea. 

[APOCYNUM. 

APOCYNUM. — Synonym. — Canadian Hemp. The root of Apocynum 
cannabinum Linne (nat. ord. Apocynacece). Habitat. — United States, on the 
border of thickets and in grassy places. 

Characters. — Long, cylindrical, somewhat branched, 5 to 10 mm. thick, 
gray or brownish-gray, longitudinally wrinkled and transversely fissured; 



VEGETABLE DRUGS HAVING A DIURETIC ACTION. 599 

brittle ; fracture short, white ; the bark rather thick ; the wood porous, spongy, 
with delicate, medullary rays ; inodorous ; taste bitter, disagreeable. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) Apocynein, a glucoside, 
soluble in water, acting like digital in. (2) Apocynin, an amorphous, resinous 
glucoside. 

Dose, 2 to 5 gr. ; .12 to .30 gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Apocyni Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Apocynum. 
By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 20 m. ; .12 to 1.20 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Apocynum. 
Canadian hemp has been found to be beneficial in dropsy, 
because of its action which is not only diuretic, but as well 
resembling that of strophanthus and similar drugs, when used as 
an infusion (i to 16), of which the dose is one to two fluid 
ounces ; 30 to 60. c.c, twice or three times daily. This is a more 
valuable drug than its limited use would indicate. It frequently 
produces copious diuresis after other, and better known drugs, 
have failed. It is also, in larger doses, a hydragogue cathartic. 

ZEA. 

ZEA. — Synonym. — Corn-silk. The styles and stigmas of Zea Mays 
Linne (nat. ord. Graminece). Habitat. — Tropical America; cultivated in the 
warm, temperate zone. 

Characters. — Thread-like; about 15 cm. long, and 0.5 mm. broad, 
yellowish or greenish, soft silky, finely hairy, and delicately veined longitudi- 
nally ; inodorous ; taste sweetish. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Maizenic Acid, about 2 
per cent. (2) Fixed oil. (3) Resin. (4) Salts. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Action and Uses of Corn-Silk. 
Corn-silk is a mild but fairly certain diuretic when given in 
full doses. It is useful in acute and chronic cystitis and in the 
bladder irritation of uric acid and for phosphatic gravel. It is 
possibly as well a cardiac stimulant in the dropsy of heart dis- 
ease. ' It is best administered in the form of an infusion, in boil- 
ing water (1 to 8), taken almost ad libitum. ~\ 



600 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

TRITICUM. 

TRITICUM. — [Synonym. — Couch-Grass. The rhizome of Agropyrum 
repens (Linne) Beauvois (nat. ord. Gramine<z), gathered in the spring and 
deprived of the roots. Habitat. — Europe and North America. 

Characters. — Very long and creeping, about 2 mm. thick ; as met with 
in the shops, cut into sections about I cm. long ; smooth, but wrinkled ; hollow 
in the centre, straw-yellow ; inodorous, taste sweetish. 

Composition. — (1) Triticin, about 8 per cent., a gummy substance resem- 
bling Inulin. (2) Inosit. (3) Malates. 

Dose, 1 to 8 dr. ; 4. to 30. gm. 

Prepa?'ation. 

Extractum Tritici Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Triticum. By 
percolation with Boiling Water, evaporation, addition of Alcohol and 
filtration. 

Dose, 1 to 8 fl. dr. ; 4. to 30. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Triticum. 
Triticum is a diuretic, and is used as a sedative in inflamma- 
tion of the genito-urinary membranes. 

[MARRUBIUM. 

MARRUBIUM. — Synonym. — Horehound. The leaves and tops of 
Marrubium vulgare Linne (nat. ord, Labiatce). Habitat. — Europe, Central 
Asia ; naturalized in North America ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves about 25 mm. long, opposite, petiolate, roundish- 
ovate, obtuse, coarsely crenate, strongly rugose, downy above, white-hairy 
beneath ; branches quadrangular, white, tomentose ; flowers in dense, axillary 
woolly whorls, with a stiffly ten -toothed calyx, a whitish, bilabiate corolla, and 
four included stamens ; aromatic and bitter. 

Composition. — (1) Marrubiin, possibly a glucoside, in crystalline scales 
or prisms, soluble in Ether, Chloroform and Alcohol. (2) Volatile Oil, in 
small amount. (3) Resin. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Uses and Action of Horehound. 
Horehound, used as a decoction or an infusion, is in moder- 
ate doses a diuretic, in large doses laxative, and may be so given 
as to increase the action of the skin and kidneys ; but its action 
is not marked. It is probably also a bitter stomachic. Confec- 
tion of horehound slowly dissolved in the mouth relieves the 
relaxed throat of public speakers.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS HAVING A DIURETIC ACTION. 601 



PAREIRA. 

PAREIRA. — [Synonym. — Pareira Brava. The root of Chondodendron 
tomentosum Ruiz et Pavon (nat. ord. Menispermacece) . Habitat. — Brazil. 

Characters. — Subcylindrical, somewhat tortuous pieces, about 10 to 15 
cm. long, varying in thickness from 2 to 10 cm. ; externally dark brownish- 
gray, with transverse ridges and fissures and longitudinal furrows ; internally 
pale brown, and, when freshly cut, having a waxy lustre; bark thin; wood 
porous, in two or more somewhat irregularly concentric circles, with rather 
large medullary rays, and no distinct central pith; inodorous; taste bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituent is Pelosine, an alkaloid, about 
0.5 per cent., identical with Berberine [see p. 453) and Buxine.] 

Incompatibles. — Ferric and lead salts, and tincture of iodine. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 dr.; [2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparation. 

Extractum Pareirae [Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Pareira. By 

maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol, and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Pareira. 

Pareira [besides its diuretic], is not known to have any phy- 
siological action. It is used in chronic inflammation of the 
genito-urinary tract, such as pyelitis, cystitis, gonorrhoea, and 
gleet. [It was formerly renowned as a lithon'riptic] 

[DULCAMARA. 

DULCAMARA.— Synonyms. — Bittersweet. Woody Nightshade. The 
young branches of Solanum Dulcamara Linne (nat. ord. Solanacece). Habi- 
tat. — Europe and Asia ; naturalized in North America. 

Characters. — About 5 mm., or less, thick, cylindrical, somewhat angu- 
lar, longitudinally striate, more or less warty, usually hollow in the centre, cut 
into short sections. The thin bark is externally pale greenish, or light greenish 
brown, marked with alternate leaf-scars, and internally green ; the greenish or 
yellowish wood forms one or two concentric rings. Odor slight ; taste bitter 
afterwards sweet. 

Composition. — (1) Solanine, C 42 H 8T N0 15 , the active alkaloid. (2) Dul- 
camarin, C 22 H 34 O 10 , 0.4 per cent, a glucoside, soluble in water and Alcohol, 
and yielding frothy solutions. (3) Resin. (4) Gum. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr.; 4. to 8. gm. 



602 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Duicamarae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Dulcamara. 
By maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol and evaporation. 
Dose, i to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Dulcamara. 

Dulcamara increases the secretions, particularly those of the 

kidneys and skin, with some diminution of sensibility. In large 

doses it is an acro-narcotic poison. It has been employed chiefly 

for cutaneous eruptions, particularly of a scaly character, but is 

seldom prescribed. 

CHIMAPHILA. 

CHIMAPHILA. — Synonyms. — Pipsissewa. Prince's Pine. The leaves 
of Chimapkila zwibellata (Linne) Nuttal (nat. ord. Ericacece'). Habitat. — 
Northern Continent. 

Characters. — About 5 cm. long, obUnceolate, sharply serrate above, 
wedge-shaped and nearly entire towards the base ; coriaceous, smooth, and 
darkgreen on the upper surface. It is nearly inodorous, and has an astringent 
and bitterish taste. 

Composition.— (1) Arbutin (see -p. 597.) (2) Ericolin. (3) Chi?naphilin, 
in yellow, tasteless, volatile crystals. (4) Ursone. (5) Tannic Acid, 4 per cent. 

Dose, y z to 2 dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Preparations . 

Extractum Chimaphilae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Chima- 
phila. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evap- 
oration. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr.; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Chimaphila. 

This plant is diuretic and astringent. It is used for rheumat- 
ism and nephritic affections. 

FABIANA. 

PICHI. — (Not official.) — The branches of the woody shrub, Fabiana 
imbricata (nat. ord. Solanacece). Habitat. — Peru and Chili. 

Characters. — A woody shrub growing on rocky hill-tops, with plume- 
like sprays, the small densely-crowded leaves much resembling those of 
a conifer. The branches and leafy branchlets are resinous, with an aromatic 
odor and taste. 

Composition. — It contains (1) Fabianine, a bitter alkaloid. (2) A Resin. 
(3) A crystalline substance. (4) An essential oil. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING ON UNSTRIPED MUSCLES. 603 

Preparation. 

Extractum Fabianae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Fabiana. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 5 to 40 m. ; .30 to 2.50 c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Pichi. 
Pichi is a diuretic of great value in inflammation of the blad- 
der and catarrh of the urinary tract. It should not be used in 
organic disease. It is best prescribed in combination with an 
alkali, as sodium carbonate.] 



GROUP XII. 

Vegetable drugs acting locally on unstriped muscle, 
especially that of the uterus. 

Ergot [Cotton Root Bark, Caulophyllum, Viburnum, Apiol.] 

ERGOTA. 

ERGOT. — \_Synonym. — Ergot of Rye. The sclerotium of Claviceps pur- 
purea (Fries) Tulasne (class Fungi), replacing the grain of rye, Secale cereale 
Linne (nat. ord. Graminece) , Habitat. — Spain and Russia. 

Characters. — Somewhat fusiform, obtusely triangular, usually curved, 
about 2 or 3 cm. long, and 3 mm. thick ; three-furrowed, obtuse at both ends, 
purplish-black, internally whitish with some purplish striae, breaking with a 
short fracture ; odor peculiar, heavy ; taste oily and disagreeable.] 

Composition. — The chief constituentS ( are — [(1) Ergotine, C 50 H 5a N 2 O 3 , 
an amorphous alkaloid, feebly bitter ; soluble in Alcohol and water. ( 2) 
Ecboline, an amorphous alkaloid, slightly bitter; soluble in water and 
Alcohol. (3) Ergotinine } C 35 H^ N 4 O 6 , a crystalline alkaloid, slightly bitter.] 
(4) Sphacelic Acid [known also as Sphacelotoxin\, a non-nitrogenous, unstable 
body, insoluble in water, soluble in alkalies. It is believed to be the active 
agent in contracting the blood-vessels. (5) Cornutine, an active alkaloid, is 
believed to be the agent which contracts the uterus. This is the chief active 
constituent of alcoholic extracts of Ergot. (6) \_Sclerotinic, Ergotinic or 
Ergotic Acid, I to 4 per cent., soluble in water and alkalies, having ecbolic 
properties,]. This is really a mixture of Sphacelic Acid and Cornutine. (7) 
A fixed oil, 30 per cent. (8) Trimethylamine, to which the odor is due. (9) 
Tannic Acid. Many other bodies have been found in Ergot, but those given 



604 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

are believed to be the more important ; the composition of Ergot is not yet 
certainly made out. 

Dose, 30 to 60 gr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Ergotse [Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Ergot. 
By maceration and percolation with Acetic Acid and Diluted Alcohol, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Extractum Ergotse. — Extract of Ergot.] Synonym. — Er- 
gotin. [Fluid Extract of Ergot. By evaporation to a pilular con- 
sistence. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c. 

3. Vinum Ergotse. — Wine of Ergot. Ergot, 150. By percola- 
tion with White Wine, 150; and Alcohol, to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; .4 to .15 c.c] 

It is said that Ammonia is the best solvent for the active principles of 
Ergot. The British Pharmaceutical Conference gives the following : Tine- 
tura Ergotce Ammoniata. — Ergot, I ; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, 2. Dose, 
10 to 60 m. ; [.60 to 4.00 c.c] 

Action of Ergot. 

External. — None. 

Internal. — Gastro intestinal tract. — The unstriped muscle 
of the intestine is stimulated by ergot, and this leads to greatly 
increased peristaltic movements, sometimes strong enough to 
cause relaxation of the bowels. The vessels of the intestine are 
constricted, in part because of the contraction of their own 
muscular fibres, and in part because of the contraction of those 
of the intestinal muscular coat. The result is that the intestine 
is blanched. 

Blood. — The active principles of ergot are readily absorbed, 
but they are not known to produce any effect on the blood. 

Heart. — The activity of the heart muscle is depressed by 
ergot ; therefore the rate of the pulse falls, and consequently at 
first the blood-pressure falls. 

Vessels. — But the fall of blood-pressure is soon followed by a 
great rise, and this is due to the general contraction of the 
arteries all over the body ; they can, in some parts, be seen to 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING ON UNSTRIPED MUSCLES. 605 

become smaller. The veins are contracted to a less extent. This 
vascular contraction does not take place if the spinal cord is 
destroyed, from which it is fair to infer that it is due to the action 
of ergot on the vaso-motor centres in the cord. Because it con- 
tracts the arterioles it is haemostatic. If the ergot be taken for 
a lon^ time the contraction of the arteries leads to gangrene of 
various parts of the body, and this was a prominent symptom of 
the ergotism (chronic poisoning by ergot) which used to be seen 
in the very poor who could get no better food than rye infected 
with Claviceps purpurea. Enormous single doses of ergot appear 
to paralyze the vaso-motor centres, and then the blood-pressure 
falls from vascular dilatation and cardiac depression. 

Nervous system. — Medicinal doses, or even an enormous 
single dose, very rarely affect the nervous system, but if ergot be 
taken for a long time a peculiar train of symptoms sets in ; they 
constituted the second variety of chronic ergotism in the [times] 
when diseased bread was eaten. The sufferer first complained of 
itching and tingling, and a sensation of insects running over 
the skin ; this was followed by numbness and local anaesthe- 
sia. These symptoms first appeared in the hands and feet, but 
spread over the whole body. They were followed by tonic con- 
tractions of various muscles, especially those of the extremities. 
The muscular power was lessened, and the gait was staggering. 
Later on there was diminution of sensation. Dimness of 
vision and loss of hearing were sometimes present. This variety 
of ergotism was usually accompanied by vomiting and diarrhoea. 
Death occurred from [exhaustion]. 

Uterus — Ergot powerfully excites the pregnant uterus of 
women and lower animals to contract and expel its contents. It 
is therefore called an ecbolic. It is not decided whether this 
effect is due to the action of the drug on the organ itself or on 
the spinal centres. Ergot has very little power to cause contrac- 
tion of the unimpregnated uterus. 

The flow of urine, of saliva, of sweat, and of milk is dimin- 
ished by ergot, probably because of the general vascular con- 
striction. 



606 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Therapeutics of Ergot. 

The chief use of ergot is to cause efficient contraction of the 
uterus after labor, and so to diminish the risk of post-partum 
haemorrhage. If there is any likelihood of profuse bleeding it 
should be given subcutaneously, so that it may act rapidly. 

Ergot should [not] be administered before the child is ex- 
pelled, for the contraction produced by it not only gradually 
becomes more severe, but more prolonged, so that ultimately the 
uterus remains tightly contracted for several minutes; that is, of 
course, dangerous to the life of the child, and if the resistance be 
very great, may lead to rupture of the uterus. [The modern 
practice is to forbid its use until after the expulsion of the 
placenta.] 

This drug has often been given as a haemostatic in haemoptysis 
and other haemorrhages from different parts of the body. Some 
authors claim great success. Frequently it fails, and unless it 
quite closes the bleeding vessels it is likely that it may, by the 
general rise of blood-pressure, do more harm than good. It is 
difficult to [estimate] its value, for so many haemorrhages will 
stop, even if no drugs are given. It has been used to check the 
night-sweats of phthisis, and as an antigalactagogue. 

It is often desirable to combine the fluid extract of ergot with 
[ferric] chloride. Because of the tannic acid in the ergot an inky 
mixture results ; but this may be clarified by the addition of a 
little dilute[d] phosphoric acid, and the taste may be covered 
with chloroform water. 



[GOSSYPII RADICIS CORTEX. 

COTTON ROOT BARK.— The bark of the root of Gossypium 
herbaceum Linne, and of other species of Gossypium (nat. ord. Malvacecs). 
Habitat. — Subtropical Asia and Africa ; cultivated in the United States. 

Characters. — In thin, flexible bands or quilled pieces; outer surface 
brownish-yellow, with slight longtitudinal ridges or meshes, small, black, cir- 
cular dots, or short, transverse lines, and dull, brownish-orange patches, from 
the abrasion of the thin cork ; inner surface whitish, of a silky lustre, finely 
striate; bast-fibres long, tough, and separable into papery layers ; inodorous; 
taste very slightly acrid and faintly astringent. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING ON UNSTRIPED MUSCLES. 607 

Composition. — (i) A yellow Resin. (2) A fixed Oil. (3) Tannic 
Acid. (4) Yellow coloring matter. 
Dose, ]l to 1 dr.; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Gossypii Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Cotton Root Bark. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin and 
Alcohol, and evaporation. 

Dose, % to 1 fl. dr.; 1. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Cotton Root Bark. 

Cotton Root Bark has the same action as ergot, and is an 
emmenagogue and an abortifacient. It is used as an uterine 
haemostatic in the treatment of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia 
from various causes, and particularly from uterine fibroids. 

CAULOPHYLLUM. 

CAULOPHYLLUM- Synonyms.— Blue Cohosh. Squaw Root. The 
rhizome and roots of Caulophyllum thalictroides (Linne) Michaux (nat. ord. 
Berberidacece). Habitat. — North America, southward to Kentucky, in rich 
woodlands. 

CHARACTERS. — Rhizome of horizontal growth, about 10 cm. long, and 
about 6 to 10 mm. thick, bent; on the upper side with broad, concave stem; 
scars and short, knotty branches ; externally grayish-brown, internally whitish, 
tough and woody. Roots numerous, matted, about 10 cm. long, and I mm. 
thick, rather tough ; nearly inodorous ; taste sweetish, slightly bitter and some- 
what acrid. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Caulophylline,2cn. alkaloid, 
which is colorless, odorless and almost tasteless, and crystallizes with difficulty. 
(2) Saponin, {see p. 420). (3) Resins, 12 per cent. (4) Tannic acid. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr.; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Action and Uses of Caulophyllum. 

Caulophyllum is used to increase the force of uterine contrac- 
tions ; it has been employed as a remedy for deficient labor-pains, 
and is believed to be useful in dysmenorrhoea. 

VIBURNUM. 

VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM.— Synonym.^- Black Haw. The 
bark of Viburnum prunifolium Linne (nat. ord. Caprifoliacea*). Habitat. — 
United States, westward to Kansas and Mississippi ; in thickets. 



608 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Characters. — In thin pieces or quills, glossy purplish-brown, with scat- 
tered warts and minute black dots ; when collected from old wood, grayish- 
brown ; the thin, corky layer easily removed from the green layer ; inner 
surface whitish, smooth; fracture short; inodorous, somewhat astringent and 
bitter. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (i) A brown, bitter Resin. 
(2) Viburnin, a greenish-yellow, bitter principle. (3) Valerianic Acid. (4) 
Tannic Acid. (5) Oxalates, Citrates and Malates. 

Dose, X to x dr.; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Viburni Prunifolii Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Viburnum Prunifolium. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol 
and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, X to x f^ dr. » *• to 4- cc ' 

VIBURNUM OVUIAJS.— Synonyms.— Cramp Bark. High Bush 
Cranberry. The bark of Viburnum Opulus Linne (nat ord. Caprifoliacece) . 
Habitat. — North America, from New Brunswick westward, and southward to 
Pennsylvania, in low grounds. 

Characters. — In flattish or curved bands, or occasionally in quills, some- 
times 30 cm. long, and from I to 1.5 mm. thick, outer surface ash-gray, 
marked with scattered somewhat traversely elongated warts of a brownish 
color, due to abrasion, and more or less marked with blackish dots, and chiefly 
in a longitudinal direction with black, irregular lines or thin ridges ; under- 
neath the easily-removed corky layer of a pale brownish or somewhat reddish - 
brown color ; the inner surface dingy -white or brownish ; fracture tough, the 
tissue separating in layers ; inodorous ; taste somewhat astringent and bitter. 

Composition. — The same as of Viburnum Prunifolium. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr.; 4. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Viburni Opuli Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Vibur- 
num Opulus. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr.; 4. to 8. c.c. 



Action and Uses of Viburnum. 

Viburnum is believed to be an antispasmodic, diuretic and 
tonic. It is especially used in the nervous diseases of pregnancy 
and to prevent miscarriage. It has considerable reputation as a 
remedy for spasmodic dysmenorrhea, in the treatment of after- 






COLCHICUM. 609 

pains, and in menorrhagia. This remedy has been in extensive 
use for more than twenty years and is undoubtedly of value. 

APIOLUM. 

APIOL.— (Not official.)— C 12 H u 4 -f 22 1. 48. A substance obtained 
from the fruit of Petroselinum sativum (nat. ord. Umbelliferce). Habitat. — 
Southern Europe; cultivated. 

Source. — The fruit is exhausted with Petroleum Benzin, the solvent 
evaporated, the residue treated with strong Alcohol, on the evaporation of 
which Apiol is left. 

Characters. — A colorless liquid resembling a fixed oil, but not saponi- 
fiable, becoming turbid without congealing at 12 C; 10.4 F., having an acid 
reaction, the odor of parsley, and a pungent taste. Sp. gr., 1.070. Solu- 
bility. — Easily in Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, and Glacial Acetic Acid. 

Dose, 10 to 15 m. ; .60 to 1.00 c.c, (in capsules.) 

Action and Uses of Apiol. 

Apiol in large doses acts as a cerebral and circulatory stim- 
ulant. It is useful in amenorrhoea, scanty menstruation and dys- 
menorrhcea when administered immediately before the expected 
period and these conditions are due to a want of ovarian activity ; 
that is, where direct emmenagogues are required.] 



GROUP XIII. 

Colchicum. 

The sole value of this drug is that it is [generally] a specific for gout. 
COLCHICUM. 

COLCHICI [RADIX.— Colchicum Root. The corm of Colchicum au- 
tumnale Linne (nat. ord. Liliacece). Synonym. — Meadow Saffron. Habitat. 
— Southern and Central Europe. 

Characters. — About 25 mm. long, ovoid, flattish and with a groove on 
one side; externally brownish and wrinkled; internally white and solid ; often 
in transverse slices, reniform in shape, and breaking with a short, mealy frac- 
ture; inodorous; taste sweetish, bitter and somewhat acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are— (1) Colchicine, [C 22 H 25 N0 6 , 
about 0.5 per cent., the active principle; a bitter alkaloid, usually amorphous, 
but may be obtained in prismatic crystals, soluble in water and Alcohol, and 
39 



610 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Chloroform,] but changed by most acids into Colchiceine, [C 22 H 23 N0 6 .] (2) 
Starch. (3) Sugar. (4) Gum. 

Incompatibles. — All astringent preparations, tincture of iodine, and 
tincture of guaiacum. 

Dose, 2 to 8 gr.; [.12 to .50 gm.,] in powder. 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Colchici Radicis. — Extract of Colchicum Root. 
By maceration and percolation with Acetic Acid and Water, and evap- 
oration. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 gr.; .03 to .12 gm. 

2. Extractum Colchici Radicis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Colchicum Root. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 2 to 8 m.; .12 to .50 c.c. 

3. Vinum Colchici Radicis. — Wine of Colchicum Root. Col- 
chicum Root, 400; by percolation with Alcohol, 150; and with White 
Wine to 1000. 

Dose, 5 to 15 m. ; .30 to 1.00 c.c] 

COLCHICI SEMEN.— Colchicum Seed. The seed of Colchicum 
autumnale [Linne (nat. ord. Liliacece). 

Characters. — Subglobular, about 2 mm. thick, very slightly pointed at 
the hilum ; reddish brown, finely pitted, internally whitish ; very hard and 
tough; inodorous; taste bitter and somewhat acrid.] Resembling Colchicum 
seed. — Black mustard seed [see p. 496. ) 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) The same as of the conn, 
but the proportion of the active alkaloid Colchicine 'is [smaller (0.3 per cent.). 
(2) A fixed oil, 6 to 8 per cent.] 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; [.06 to .30 gm.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Extractum Colchici Seminis Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Colchicum Seed. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c. 

2. Tinctura Colchici Seminis. — Tincture of Colchicum Seed. 
Colchicum Seed, 150; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol and 
Water to 1000. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

3. Vinum Colchici Seminis. — Wine of Colchicum Seed. Col- 



COLCHICUM. Gil 

chicum Seed, 150 ; by maceration with Alcohol, 150; and with White 
Wine to 1000. 

Dose, 10 to 30 m.; .60 to 2.00 c.c] 

Action of Colchicum. 

External. — When applied to the skin colchicum acts as an 
irritant, causing hyperemia and smarting, and the dust inhaled 
gives rise to sneezing. 

Internal. — Gastro-i7ttestinal tract. — In moderate medicinal 
doses colchicum produces no effect on most persons beyond 
slightly increasing the secretion of bile, but with others it causes 
loss of appetite, and a little purging, nausea and colic. In 
larger doses it gives rise, in all persons, to great abdominal pain, 
vomiting and profuse diarrhoea with the passage of blood. It is 
in fact a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant. There is also 
great prostration, the pulse becomes small, rapid, and thready, 
the skin cold and bedewed with sweat, and the respiration slow ; 
death is due to collapse. It is extremely probable that these 
results are not owing to any action of colchicine on the heart or 
respiration, but that they are merely the consequence of the 
severe gastro enteritis, which, it is well known, will cause fatal 
collapse. These effects are produced if colchicine is injected 
subcutaneously, a circumstance which shows that this alkaloid is 
an active principle of the drug, and that it is excreted into the 
intestine. It is a curious fact that after a certain point, increas- 
ing the quantity does not lead to an increase of the symptoms. 

Nervous system. — Medicinal doses have no effect. Even a 
fatal dose does not impair consciousness. In frogs the reflex 
excitability of the cord is at first increased by large doses, and 
hence there may be convulsions. In mammals these do not take 
place, but in all animals ultimately the spinal motor centres are 
powerfully depressed, and the creature is paralyzed. Motor nerves 
and muscles are unaffected. Sensory nerves are somewhat depressed. 

Kidney. — The most discordant statements have been made 
about the action of colchicum on the urine, but it has not been 
definitely shown that either the quantity or composition is altered. 
After death by poisoning, the alkaloid is found in the blood and 
in most of the organs of the body. 



612 organic materia medica. 

Therapeutics of Colchicum. 
Colchicum is hardly ever used except for gout. Given during 
the attack, it most markedly relieves the pain ; in smaller doses 
given between the attacks it diminishes their severity. It is often 
very useful for dyspepsia, eczema, headache, neuritis, conjunc- 
tivitis, bronchitis, and other conditions which, when occurring 
in those suffering from gout, are probably related to it. Occa- 
sionally it is combined with other cholagogues, especially if it is 
desired to give these remedies to a person who is the subject of 
gout. If any symptoms of gastric or intestinal irritation appear, 
its use must be discontinued for a time. The seed is said to be 
[less] active than the corm. [A well-known formula is : extract 
of colchicum root, calomel, powdered aloes, powdered ipecac- 
uanha, of each, i gr., .06 gm., with y^ to ^ gr. ; .015 to .03 
gm., of extract of nux vomica.] 



GROUP XIV. 

The Stearoptens. 

All are antiseptic (two very powerfully so) and two at least, and probably 
all three, are local anaesthetics. 

Camphor, Thymol, Menthol. 
CAMPHORA. 

CAMPHOR. — [Synonyms. — Gum Camphor. Laurel Camphor. Cj H 16 O 
=151.66. A stearopten (having the nature of a ketone) obtained from-6~m- 
namomum Camphora) (Linne) Nees et Ebermaier (nat. ord. Laurine<z), and 
purified by sublimation. Habitat. — China and Japan. 

Source. — The branches and chipped wood are exposed to the vapors of 
boiling water, the volatilized Camphor is condensed, drained and pressed from 
the adherent volatile oil (Oil of Camphor), and subsequently refined by subli- 
mation in vessels of glass or iron. Camphor is now obtained by tapping the 
trees and collecting the exudation. 

Characters. — White, translucent masses, of a tough consistence and a 
crystalline structure, readily pulverizable in the presence of a little Alcohol, 
Ether, or Chloroform , having a penetrating, characteristic odor, and a pun- 
gently aromatic taste. Sp. gr,, 0.995. Burns with a smoky flame. Volatil- 
izes slowly at ordinary temperatures. Sublimes entirely when heated. Solu- 



THE STEAROPTENS. 613 

bility. — Very sparingly soluble in water, but readily soluble in Alcohol, Ether, 
Chloroform, Carbon Bisulphide, Benzin, and in fixed and volatile oils. When 
Camphor is triturated in about molecular proportions with Menthol, Thymol, 
Phenol, or Chloral hydrate, liquefaction ensues.] 

Composition. — All Camphors or stearoptens are oxidation products of 
hydrocarbons which contain io atoms of carbon (terpenes), and constitute the 
greater part of volatile oils, of which Oil of Turpentine (C 10 H 16 ) is best known. 
Isomeric with the terpene of Oil of Turpentine we have terpenes of Oil of Lav- 
ender, Oil of Spearmint, Oil of Anise, Oil of Caraway, Oil of Rosemary, etc. 
Menthol (C 10 H 20 O) {see p. 616) is a Camphor or stearopten driven from the 
terpene (C 10 H 20 ) called diamylene. Borneo, [Sumatra or Barus] Camphor, see 
p. 522, — which is often in commerce substituted for the official Camphor, is 
derived from Dryobalanops [Camphora], and known from the official 
variety by sinking in water — is C 10 H 18 O ; that is to say, an oxidized product of 
the terpene called camphene or menthene, C 10 H 18 (existing in Oil of Peppermint, 
see -p. 519). Thymol {see p. 616) and car[v]ol {see pp. 520, 523 and 524), 



\_Camphor is contained in Linimentum Belladonnse, Linimentum Sinapis 
Compositum, Linimentum Saponis, Tinctura Opii Camphorata and Pulvis Mor- 
phinae Compositus.] 

Dose, 3 to 20 gr. ; [.20 to 1.20 gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. [Aqua Camphors. — Camphor Water. Camphor, 8; by tri- 
turation with Alcohol, 5 ; and precipitated Calcium Phosphate, 5 ; ad- 
dition of Water, and filtration to 1 000. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. oz. ; 15. to 60. c.c. 

2. Linimentum Camphorae. — Camphor Liniment. Synonym. — 
Camphorated Oil. Camphor, 200; Cotton Seed Oil, 800. 

3. Spiritus Camphorae. — Spirit of Camphor. Camphor, 100 ; 
1 Alcohol to 1000. By solution and filtration. 

Dose, 30 to 60 m. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

4. Ceratum Camphorae. — Camphor Cerate. Camphor Liniment, 
100; White Wax, 300; Lard, 600. 

CAMPHORA MONOBROMATA. — Monobromated Camphor. 

C io H i5 Br0 = 230.42. 

Source. — By heating Bromine and Camphor, at 172 F. ; 77. 7 C., solu- 
tion in Benzin, and recrystallization from hot Alcohol. C 10 H 16 O -j- 2Br = C 10 
H I5 BrO -f HBr. 

Characters. — Colorless, prismatic needles or scales, having a mild, 



614 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA, 

camphoraceous odor and taste, permanent in the air, unaffected by light, and 
neutral to litmus paper. Solubility. — Almost insoluble in water ; freely solu- 
ble in Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, hot Benzin, and fixed and volatile oils ; 
slightly soluble in Glycerin. It is also soluble without decomposition in cold, 
concentrated Sulphuric Acid, from which it separates again unaltered, when 
the solution is poured into water. 

Dose, 2 to 10 gr. ; .12 to .60 gm. 

ACIDUM CAMPHORICUM. (Not official.) — Camphoric Acid. 

C 10 H 16°4 =I 99-44. 

Source. — From Camphor by oxidation with Nitric Acid. 

Characters. — White, acicular, odorless crystals having a faintly acid 
taste. Solubility. — Nearly insoluble in cold, readily soluble in hot water 
Alcohol, Ether and oils. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm.] 

Action of Camphor. 

External. — Camphor, although not a volatile oil, acts very 
much like one. Thus it is a direct cutaneous stimulant, dilating 
the vessels of the skin, and at first causing a sensation of warmth, 
but subsequently a slight degree of local anaesthesia. It is a 
feeble antiseptic. 

Internal. — Gastro-intestinal tract. — In the stomach it ' is 
mildly stimulant, dilating the vessels, increasing the flow of 
gastric juice and the peristalsis. Hence it is stomachic and car- 
minative. It has a slight reflex stimulating effect on the heart. 
In medicinal doses it has little action on the intestines. 

Circulation. — It quickly enters the blood both from the skin 
and the intestine, and is said to increase the number of leuco- 
cytes in that fluid. To a slight extent the heart is excited directly 
by it in addition to the reflex stimulation just mentioned. 

Respiration. — Probably some camphor is excreted by the 
bronchial mucous membrane, the vascularity and secretion of 
which it consequently stimulates. It has the reputation of being 
a feeble expectorant. 

Skin. — It is a mild diaphoretic. This effect is believed to 
be due to the action of the drug on the central nervous system. 
Probably some of the camphor is excreted by the skin, for the 
sweat may smell of it. 



THE STEAROPTENS. 615 

• 

Nervous system. — Different people are differently susceptible 
to the effects of camphor. Five to ten grains [.30 to .60 gm.] 
will in some persons produce a feeling of exhilaration, or in 
others a sense of comfort and quietness. Larger doses cause 
great excitement, giddiness, a slow pulse, and ultimately head- 
ache, burning pain in the stomach, faintness, confusion of ideas, 
delirium, violent convulsions, insensibility, a small, feeble pulse, 
and finally death from collapse. It is a mild antipyretic. 

Sexual organs. — Camphor is reputed to be [an]aphrodisiac. 

Kidneys. — It is not excreted as camphor, but as complex 
substances, one of which is camphoglycuric acid. 

Therapeutics of Camphor. 

External. — Its stimulating effects make camphor a favorite 
ingredient of many liniments. It is constantly rubbed into the 
skin in some form or another as a mild irritant or counter-irritant 
in, for example, chronic rheumatism, chronic inflammatory indu- 
rations, and the slighter chest complaints of children ; and also in 
myalgia, neuralgia, lumbago, and sciatica, in which cases, because 
of its property of causing local anesthesia, it relieves pain. In 
addition to the pharmacopceial preparations, a Chloroformum 
Camphorse (camphor, 2, dissolved in chloroform, 1) may be used. 
The liquid preparations with chloral hydrate, carbolic acid, and 
thymol are excellent local anodynes for neuralgia, and may be 
dropped into a tooth to relieve toothache. 

Internal.— Camphor is used as a carminative, especially in 
neurotic subjects. It is a common remedy for a cold in the head, 
and is probably beneficial on account of its stimulation of the 
circulation and its slight antipyretic and diaphoretic effects. 
Many expectorant mixtures contain camphor. It has been given 
as an antispasmodic in hysteria and allied conditions, and some 
state that it is of use in cholera. [Monobromated Camphor 
resembles, but is not identical with, the bromides in its therapeu- 
tical action, being used as a nervous sedative. Camphoric acid 
is successfully administered for colliquative sweating, e. g., that 
of pulmonary tuberculosis. The daily amount of from 15 to 75 
gr. ; 1. to 5. gm., should be given in the evening in divided 



616 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



doses at short intervals, either dry upon the tongue or in starch 

wafers.] 

THYMOL. 

THYMOL.— C 10 H u O[=i49.66. A phenol (classified in the B. P. as 

a stearopten) occurring in the volatile oils of (i) Thymus vulgaris Linne, (2) 
Monarda punctata Linne (nat. ord. Labiates), and (3) Carum Ajowan (Rox- 
burgh) Bentham et Hooker (nat. ord. Umbelliferce). Habitat. — (1) Southern 
Europe; cultivated. (2) United States, west to Texas and Colorado; in sandy- 
fields. (3) India, Persia, Egypt. 

Source. — Thymol is separated from the terpenes in the volatile oils by 
fractional distillation, agitated with solution of Soda to remove more of the 
terpenes and cooled. The compound of Soda and Thymol is decomposed by 
Hydrochloric Acid, and Thymol is recrystallized from an alcoholic solution. 

Characters. — Large, colorless, translucent crystals of the hexagonal sys- 
tem, having an aromatic, thyme-like odor, and a pungent, aromatic taste, with 
a very slight caustic effect upon the lips. Sp. gr., as a solid, is I.069, but when 
liquefied by fusion it is lighter than water. When triturated with about equal 
quantities of Camphor, Menthol, or Chloral hydrate, it liquefies. Solubility. — 
Soluble in about 1 200 parts of water, and in less than its own weight ot 
Alcohol, Ether, or Chloroform; also readily soluble in Carbon Disulphide, 
Glacial Acetic Acid, and in fixed or volatile oils. 

Impurities. — Paraffin, and spermaceti. 

Dose, 1 to 15 gr.; .06 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Thymol. 
Thymol is a more powerful antiseptic than carbolic acid. 
It has been used in antiseptic surgery for dressing wounds. A 
saturated solution of thymol [in] gauze, and thymol ointment are 
employed. It is non-irritating. It has considerable antiparasitic 
powers, and solutions in alcohol or ether (1 in 15) have been 
used in ringworm. A solution in glycerin (1 in 200) has been 
recommended for sore throat. A little alcohol is very useful for 
facilitating the aqueous solution of thymol. [The odor is likely 
to attract house flies.] Thymol in large doses has been given as 
an anthelmintic for the Anchylostoma duodenale. 

MENTHOL. 

MENTHOL.— C 10 H 19 OH[=I55. 66. A stearopten (having the char- 
acter of a secondary Alcohol), obtained from the official oil of peppermint 
(from Mentha piperita Smith), or from Japanese or Chinese oil of peppermint 
(from Mentha arvensis Linne, var. piperascens Holmes, and Mentha cana- 
densis Linne, var. glabrata Holmes ; nat. ord. Labials.) 



THE STEAROPTENS. 617 

Source. — By fractional distillation of the volatile oil and freezing the 
higher boiling product, and crystallization. 

Characters. — Colorless, acicular or prismatic crystals, having a strong 
and pure odor of peppermint, and a warm, aromatic taste, followed by a sen- 
sation of cold, when air is drawn into the mouth. Solubility. — Slightly solu- 
ble in water, but imparts to the latter its odor and taste. It is freely soluble in 
Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, or glacial Acetic Acid. 
When it is triturated with about an equal weight of Camphor, Thymol, or 
Chloral hydrate, the mixture becomes liquid.] 

Impurities. — Glass and magnesium sulphate. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 2 gr. ; [.03 to .12 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Menthol. 

Menthol is chiefly employed externally, for it produces local 
anaesthesia, a feeling of coldness and numbness, and thereby 
alleviates the pain of neuralgia, especially if it involves a super- 
ficial nerve. It is very efficacious in some cases. The solid 
menthol, in the form of a cone, may be drawn [over] the skin, or 
an alcoholic solution maybe painted on, or a plaster; [menthol, 
2 ; yellow wax, i ; resin, 7 ; spread upon rubber cloth] may be 
applied. In summer [this] plaster is too soft, and more wax 
should be added. A solution made by heat with oleic acid [1 to 
2 4] is an excellent preparation, and a good liniment is formed 
of menthol, 3 ; chloroform, 4; olive oil, 9. The local applica- 
tion often relieves itching. Menthol has been applied locally 
to carious teeth, and has been inhaled with advantage [for the 
relief of the symptom] asthma. It is readily volatilized by the 
addition of hot water. Solutions of it have been painted upon 
the throat in diphtheria. [It has been used internally in small 
doses (tV gr. ; .006 gm.) to relieve nausea and vomiting.] 



618 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



GROUP XV. 

Vegetable drugs acting by virtue of important acids 
they contain. 

Lemon juice (Citric Acid), Prunus Virginiana, Laurocerasus (Hydro, 
cyanic Acid), Benzoin (Benzoic Acid), Chrysarobinum (Chrysophanic 
Acid), [Rhus Toxicodendron (Toxicodendric Acid).] 

LEMON. 

LIMONIS CORTEX.— Lemon Peel. The [rind of the recent fruit of 
Citrus Limonum Risso (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — Northern India ; col- 
tivated in subtropical countries. 

Characters. — In narrow, thin bands or in elliptical segments, with very 
little of a spongy, white, inner layer adhering to them ; outer surface deep 
lemon-yellow, and ruggedly glandular; odor fragrant; taste aromatic and 
bitterish.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) The official oil, C 10 H 16 
{see below). (2) Hesperidin, [C 22 H 26 12 , a bitter principle. 

Le7?ion Peel is used in Spiritus Limonis.] 

OLEUM LIMONIS.— Oil of Lemon. [A volatile oil obtained by 
expression from fresh Lemon Peel. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, limpid liquid, having the fragrant odor of 
lemon, and an aromatic, somewhat bitterish taste. Sp. gr. 0.858 to 0.859. 
Solubility,- — In three times its volume of Alcohol ; also soluble, in all propor- 
tions, in absolute Alcohol, Carbon Disulphide, or glacial Acetic Acid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Citrene, C 10 H 16 . (2) 
Cymene, C 10 H U . (3) Citral, C 10 H 16 O, an aldehyde. 

Oil of Le?non is contained in Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus, and [Spir- 
itus Aurantii Compositus. 

Preparation. 

Spiritus Limonis. — Spirit of Lemon. Synonym. — Essence of 
Lemon. Oil of Lemon, 50 ; Lemon Peel, 50 ; by maceration and fil- 
tration with Deodorized Alcohol to 1 000. 

Spirit of Lemon is contained in Syrupus Acidi Citrici. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; 2. to 8. c. c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Lemon. 
The same as those of orange. The oil applied externally is 
rubefacient. 

LIMONIS SUCCUS. — Lemon Juice. The freshly expressed juice of 
the ripe fruit of Citrus Limonum [Risso (nat. ord. Rutacece). 



• 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING BY THEIR ACIDS. 619 

Characters. — A slightly turbid, yellowish liquid, usually having an 
odor of lemon due to the accidental presence of some of the volatile oil of the 
rind. Taste acid, and often slightly bitter. Sp. gr., not less than 1.030.] 

Composition. — Lemon juice contains — (1) Citric Acid (H 3 C 6 H 5 7 -(- 
H 2 0), [about 7 per cent.,] free, and combined to form Potassium and other 
salts. [(2) Sugar. (3) Gum. (4) Inorganic Salts. 

Dose, y z to 2 fl. oz. ; 15. to 60. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Lemon Juice. 
Lemon juice is used to relieve thirst, and to make effervescing 
mixtures and drinks. Its action in the body is the same as that 
of citric acid (see p. 249). Three or four ounces [90. or 120. 
c.c] of lemon juice daily are of great benefit in scurvy. Why 
this is we do not certainly know. Lemon juice is probably more 
efficacious than citric acid. 

[PRUNUS VIRGINIANA. 

WILD CHERRY.— The bark of Primus serotina Ehrhart (nat. ord. 
Rosacea), collected in autumn. Habitat. — North America, westward to Min- 
nesota and Louisiana ; in woods. 

Characters. — In curved pieces or irregular fragments, 2 mm. or more 
thick, outer surface greenish-brown, or yellowish-brown, smooth and somewhat 
glossy, marked with transverse scars ; if the bark is collected from old wood 
and deprived of the corky layer, the outer surface is nut-brown and uneven ; 
inner surface somewhat striate or fissured. Upon maceration in water it 
develops a distinct bitter-almond odor; its taste is astringent, aromatic and 
bitter. 

Composition. — (1) A??igydalin [see p. 580). (2) Emulsin, probably 
identical with the emulsin of Bitter Almond. In the presence of water by the 
action of emulsin on amygdalin, the volatile oil, glucose and hydrocyanic acid 
are formed. The action of this ferment is destroyed at a boiling temperature. 
(3) Tannic Acid. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

Preparations. 

1. Extractum Pruni Virginianae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of 
Wild Cherry. By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol 
and Water, and evaporation. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

2. Infusum Pruni Virginianae. — Infusion of Wild Cherry. 
Wild Cherry, 40. By maceration and percolation to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. oz. ; 30. to 60. c.c. 



620 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

3. Syrupus Pruni Virginianse. — Syrup of Wild Cherry. Wild 
Cherry, 150; Sugar, 700; Glycerin, 150; Water to 1000. By macera- 
tion and percolation. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 

Action and Therapeutics of Wild Cherry. 

They are the same as for diluted hydrocyanic acid {see p. 127). 

It is much used as a remedy for cough, and the syrup, as a vehicle 

for tincture of digitalis, renders it less likely to produce gastric 

disturbance.] 

LAUROCERASUS. 

CHERRY LAUREL. [B. P., not official.]— The fresh leaves of 
Prumis laurocerasus (nat. ord. Rosacece). [Habitat. — Europe.] 

Characters. — Thick coriaceous, on short, strong petioles. Oblong or 
ovate, [12 to 16 cm.] long, tapering towards each end, recurved at the apex, 
distinctly but sharply serrated, dark-green, smooth and shining above, pale 
beneath. Prominent midrib with, on either side of it at the base, one or two 
granular depressions. Inodorous, except on bruising, when they emit a ratafia- 
like odor. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Laurocerasin, a gluco- 
side ; it is a compound of Amygdalin and Amygdalic Acid. (2) Emulsin. 
By the same changes as in the case with Bitter Almond {see p. 580), in the 
presence of moisture, an oil, [Hydrocyanic] Acid and Glucose are formed. 

Preparation. 

Aqua Laurocerasi. [B. P., not official. — Cherry Laurel Water.] 
Made by distillation and standardized so that its strength is o. I percent, 
of absolute Hydrocyanic Acid. 

Incompatibles. — Metallic salts. 

Dose, y 2 to 2 fl. dr. ; [2. to 8. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Cherry Laurel. 
Its action is the same as that of diluted hydrocyanic acid {see 
p. 127). Aqua laurocerasi is not often employed; owing to the 
volatilization of the [hydrocyanic] acid, its strength is not con- 
stant. It is used as a flavoring agent. 

BENZOINUM. 

BENZOIN. — A balsamic resin obtained from Stryax Benzoin [Dry- 
ander (nat. ord. Styracece). Habitat. — Sumatra, Java, probably also Siam. 

Characters. — In lumps consisting of agglutinated, yellowish-brown 
tears, which are internally milk-white, or in the form of a reddish-brown mass, 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING BY THEIR ACIDS. 621 

more or less mottled from whitish tears imbedded in it. It is almost wholly 
soluble in 5 parts of moderately warm Alcohol, and in solutions of the fixed 
alkalies. When heated, it gives off fumes of Benzoic Acid. It has an agree- 
able, balsamic odor, and a slight, aromatic taste. Solubility. — In 5 parts of 
Alcohol] ; easily in Ether [or Solution of ] Potassa. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — ( 1) Benzoic Acid {see below), 
12 to 20 per cent. (2) Cinnamic Acid, C 9 H 8 2 , a trace. (3) Resin. (4) 
Volatile Oil. 

Preparations. 

1. Adeps Benzo[inatus. — Benzoinated Lard. Benzoin, 20; 
Lard, 1000; by melting and straining. 

2. Tinctura Benzoini. — Tincture of Benzoin. Benzoin, 200; 
by maceration and filtration with Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, y z to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. c.c. 

3. Tinctura Benzoini Composita. — Compound Tincture of 
Benzoin. Synony7?i.— Friar's Balsam. Benzoin, 120; Storax, 80; 
Balsam of Tolu, 40; Purified Aloes, 20; by digestion with Alcohol, 
and filtration to 1000. 

Dose, y?, to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

ACIDUM BENZOICUM.— Benzoic Acid. HC 7 N 5 2 [=i2i.7i]. 

Source. — From Benzoin by sublimation. [Toluene (toluol) is generally 
the source of this substance. 

Characters. — White, or yellowish- white, lustrous scales or friable 
needles, odorless, or having a slight, characteristic odor resembling that of 
Benzoin, and of a warm, acid taste; somewhat volatile at a moderately warm 
temperature, and rendered darker by exposure to light. Solubility. — When 
pure, in about 500 parts of water, and in 2 parts of Alcohol. Also soluble in 
3 parts of Ether, 7 parts of Chloroform, and readily soluble in Carbon Disul- 
phide, Benzol, fixed and volatile oils, but sparingly soluble in Benzin. 

Benzoic Acid is contained in Tinctura Opii Camphorata. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

AMMONII BENZO AS.— Ammonium Benzoate. NH 4 C 7 H 5 2 [== 
138.72. 

Source. — Dissolve Benzoic Acid in Water of Ammonia and distilled 
water, and evaporate, set aside to crystallize. HC 7 H 5 2 -\- NH 4 OH = 
NH 4 C 7 H 5 2 + H 2 0. 

Characters. — Thin, white, four-sided, laminar crystals, odorless or hav- 
ing a slight odor of Benzoic Acid, a saline, bitter, afterwards slightly acrid 
taste, and gradually losing Ammonia on exposure to the air. Solubility. — In 
5 parts of water, and in 28 parts of Alcohol.] 

Incompatibles. — Ferric salts, Liquor Potassse, and acids. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; [.30 to 1.20 gm.] 



622 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

SODII BENZOAS.— [Sodium Benzoate. NaC 7 H 5 2 =i4 3 .7i. 

Source. — Benzoic Acid is added to a hot concentrated solution of pure 
Sodium Carbonate, the solution is evaporated, cooled and allowed to crystal- 
lize. 2HC 7 H 5 2 +Na 2 CO s =2NaC 7 H 5 2 -fC0 2 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — A white, amorphous powder, odorless, or having a faint 
odor of Benzoin, and a sweetish, astringent taste ; permanent in the ah. Solu- 
bility. — In 1.8 parts of water, and in 45 parts of Alcohol.] 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; [.30 to 4.00 gm. 

LITHII BENZOAS.— Lithium Benzoate. LiC 7 H 5 2 =i2772. 

Source. — By decomposing Lithium Carbonate with Benzoic Acid. 
Li 2 C0 3 +2HC 7 H 5 2 =2LiC 7 H 5 2 +C0 2 +H 2 0. 

Characters. — A light, white powder, or small, shining, crystalline 
scales; odorless, or of faint benzoin-like odor, and of a cooling, sweetish taste; 
permanent in the air. Solubility. — In 4 parts of water, and in 12 parts of 
Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 20 gr. ; .30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action of Benzoic Acid. 

So far as is known, the action of benzoic acid, its salts, and 
benzoin, is the same. We shall therefore here describe only 
the action of benzoic acid. 

External. — Benzoic acid is a powerful antiseptic. The 
growth of many forms of bacteria is completely inhibited by a 
solution of 1 in 1000. In a concentrated form it is a stimulant 
and irritant when applied to the skin. 

Internal. — The only fact about the internal action of benzoic 
acid that has been worked out is that when it is given by the 
mouth, hippuric acid appears in the urine. This happens 
by combination with a molecule of glycocoll, HC 7 H 5 2 -(-C 2 H 5 
N0 2 =C 9 H 9 N0 3 (hippuric acid)+H 2 0. The source of the gly- 
cocoll is not known. The conversion probably takes place in 
the kidneys, for after giving large doses of benzoic acid, it alone 
can be found in the blood, and if the renal arteries are tied, no 
hippuric acid is formed, but if only the ureters are tied it is 
formed. Also benzoic acid has been successfully converted into 
hippuric acid by passing blood, containing benzoic acid, but no 
glycocoll, slowly through the kidneys removed directly after 
death. Hippuric acid has been found in the urine of new-born 
children when benzoic acid has been given to the mother shortly 



VEGETABLE DRUGS ACTING BY THEIR ACIDS. 623 

before delivery. If hippuric acid is given by the mouth benzoic 
acid is found in the blood, but hippuric [acid] reappears in the 
urine. The hippuric acid in the urine renders alkaline urine, 
acid, and it stimulates and disinfects the urinary mucous mem- 
brane. Occasonally succinic as well as hippuric acid appears 
in the urine. 

Benzoic acid or some derivative of it is probably excreted in 
the bronchial secretion, for the bronchial mucous membrane is 
stimulated by the administration of benzoic acid, the mucus 
being increased in quantity and disinfected. The acid is there- 
fore expectorant. The same effects are brought about if the 
vapor of benzoic acid is inhaled. It is said to be excreted by 
the skin and salivary glands, and thereby to increase their activity. 
It is slightly diuretic. 

Benzoic acid and its salts are antipyretic, and it is stated that 
they are even more powerful than salicylic acid. How they pro- 
duce a fall of temperature is not known. Metabolism is believed 
to be generally increased. 

Therapeutics of Benzoic Acid. 

External. — Lint soaked in the compound tincture is a 
favorite dressing for wounds and sores of all sorts. Its chief 
advantage is the antiseptic power it possesses. Its stimulating 
effect is also valuable. 

Internal. — Lungs. — Benzoin, benzoic acid and its com- 
pounds are very commonly employed as stimulating, disinfecting 
expectorants in cases of bronchitis or phthisis in which the expec- 
toration is foul and scanty. The vapor from a mixture of a pint, 
[500. c.c] of water at 140 F., [6o° C] and a fluid drachm, [4. 
c.c] of compound tincture of benzoin is often inhaled for bron- 
chitis and laryngitis. 

Urinary organs. — "Benzoic acid is a most valuable drug for 
acidifying the alkaline decomposing urine which is formed in 
pyelitis and cystitis, and for stimulating and disinfecting the 
urinary tract in the same conditions. Ammonium benzoate is 
so much more soluble than benzoic acid that it is to be pre- 
ferred to it. Spirit of chloroform covers the taste. It may with 



624 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

advantage be combined with the urinary sedatives, as tincture of 

hyoscyamus. 

[CHRYSAROBINUM. 

CHRYSAROBIN. — A neutral principle, in its commercial, more or 
less impure form, extracted from Goa or Araroba Powder, a substance found 
deposited in the wood of Andira Araroba Aguiar (nat. ord. Leguminosce). 
Habitat. — Brazil. 

Characters. — A pale, orange-yellow, microcrystalline powder, odorless 
and tasteless ; turning brownish-yellow on exposure to air. Solubility. — Very 
slightly soluble in cold water or Alcohol ; soluble in 33 parts of boiling Ben- 
zol, in Chloroform, and in solutions of the alkalies. 

Composition — The chief constituent of Goa powder is Chrysarobin, 
^27^30^14'] Synonyms. — Rhein. Chrysophan (see p. 461). In the fresh 
plant it probably exists as a Glucoside, but this is slowly oxidized into Chryso- 
phanic Acid, C 15 H 10 O 4 , and glucose. 

Preparation. 

Unguentum Chrysarobini. — [Chrysarobin Ointment. Chrys- 
arobin, 5; Benzoinated Lard, 95.] 

Action of Chrysarobin. 

External. — It is a powerful irritant to the skin, which it 
stains yellowish brown. Linen is stained the same color. (The 
stain may be removed by a weak solution of caustic soda or 
chlorinated lime.) It is antiparasitic. 

Internal. — It is cathartic and very irritating to the stomach 
and bowels, causing vomiting and purging. It is excreted by 
the kidneys, and stains the urine yellow. 

Therapeutics of Chrysarobin. 

It is used as an antiparasitic in ringworm, and to excite healthy 
inflammation in chronic cutaneous diseases, especially psoriasis 
and acne rosacea. It has also been given internally for skin 
diseases, but as it is so irritating this practice is not advisable. 

[RHUS TOXICODENDRON. 

RHUS TOXICODENDRON.— Synonyms.— Poison Ivy. Poison 
Oak. The fresh leaves of Rhus radicans Linne (nat. ord. Anacardiece). 
Habitat. — North America, west to Wyoming and Texas; in thickets. 

Characters. — Long-petiolate, trifoliolate; the lateral leaflets sessile or 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED AS FLAVORING AGENTS. 625 

nearly so, about io cm. long, obliquely ovate, pointed ; the terminal leaflets 
stalked, ovate or oval, pointed, with a wedge shaped or rounded base; the 
leaflets entire and glabrous, or variously notched, coarsely toothed, or lobed, 
more or less downy ; when dry, papery and brittle ; inodorous ; taste somewhat 
astringent and acrid. Resembling Rhus Toxicodendron. — The leaves of Ptelea 
trifoliata, which are similar in appearance, but have all the leaflets sessile. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are (i) Toxicodendric Acid, a vol- 
atile Acid. (2) Tannic Acid. (3) Fixed Oil. 

Dose, 1 to 5 gr. ; .06 to .30 gm. 

Action and Uses of Rhus Toxicodendron. 

The tincture of the fresh leaves (dose, to to 2 m. ; .006 to 
.12 c.c.) has been used in paralysis, nocturnal incontinence of 
urine and cutaneous diseases ; but the remedy is dangerous and 
probably, an useless one, for these purposes. Largely diluted 
it has been used as a lotion for bruises and burns.] 



GROUP XVI. 

Vegetable drugs only used as Flavoring Agents. 

Rose, Treacle, Sugar, [Balm, Raspberry, Vanilla, Sage, Oil of Bay 
Oil of Sesamum,] Mulberry. 

ROSA. 

ROSA GALLICA.— Red Rose. The petals of Rosa gallica [Linne" 
(nat. ord. Rosacea), collected before expanding. Habitat. — Asia Minor and 
Southern Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Usually in small cones, consisting of numerous imbri- 
cated, roundish, retuse, deep purple-colored, yellow-clawed petals, having a 
roseate odor and a bitterish, slightly acidulous and distinctly astringent taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil, a trace. 
(2) Quercitrin. (3) Mucilage. (4) Sugar. 

Red Rose is contained in Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches.] 

Preparations. 

1. Confectio Rosae.— [Confection of Rose. Red Rose, 80; 
Sugar, 640; Clarified Honey, 12; Stronger Rose Water, 160. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; 2. to 4. gm. 

2. Extractum Rosse Fluidum.— Fluid Extract of Rose. By 
maceration with Glycerin and Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 

40 



626 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Fluid Extract of Rose is used to make Mel Rosse and Syrupus 
Rosse. 

Dose, )4 to i fl. dr. ; i. to 4. c.c. 

3. Mel Rosse. — Honey of Rose.— Fluid Extract of Rose, 120; 
Clarified Honey, to 1000. 

Dose, freely. 

4. Syrupus Rosse. — Syrup of Rose. Fluid Extract of Rose, 
125; Syrup, 875. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr.; 4. to 8. c.c. 

ROSA CENTIFOLIA.— [Pale Rose. The petals of Rosa centifclia 
Linne (nat. ord. Rosacea). Habitat. — Western Asia; cultivated. 

Characters. — Roundish-obovate and retuse, or obcordate, pink, fra- 
grant, sweetish, slightly bitter and faintly astringent. 

Composition. — (1) Volatile oil, a trace. (2) Mucilage. (3) Tannic 
Acid. (4) Malates and Tartrates. 

OLEUM ROSiE- Oil of Rose. Synonym.— Attar of Rose. A 
volatile oil distilled from the fresh flowers of Rosa da?nascena Miller (nat. ord. 
Rosacece). Habitat. — Cultivated in Bulgaria. 

Characters. — A pale yellowish, transparent liquid, having the strong 
fragrant odor of Rose, and a mild, slightly sweetish taste. Sp. gr. , 0.865 to 
0.880. Solubility. — It is but slightly soluble in Alcohol. 

Composition. — Its principal constituents are — (1) Rhodinal, C 10 H 18 O, a 
volatile oil, 12 to 14 per cent., very fragrant, readily soluble in Alcohol; be- 
lieved to be identical with Citral. (2) An odorless, solid paraffin hydrocarbon 
or Stearopten. 

Impurities. — Oil of Ginger- grass or Turkish Oil of Geranium, Oil of 
Rose Geranium, Spermaceti and Paraffin.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Aqua Rosse Fortior. — Stronger Rose Water. Synonym. — 
Triple Rose Water. Water saturated with the volatile oil of Rose 
petals, obtained as a by-product in the distillation of Oil of Rose. 

Stronger Rose V/ater is used to make Confectio Rosas. 

Dose, indefinite.] 

2. Aqua Rosse. — [Rose Water. Stronger Rose Water, and Dis- 
tilled Water, of each, one volume. 

Dose, indefinite. 

3. Unguentum Aquse Rosse. — Ointment of Rose Water. Syn- 
onym. — Cold Cream. Spermaceti, 125; White Wax, 120; Expressed 
Oil of Almond, 600; Stronger Rose Water, 190; Sodium Borate, 5.] 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED AS FLAVORING AGENTS. 627 



Action and Therapeutics of Rose. 

The preparations of rose petals are pleasant vehicles. The 
infusion (dried petals, 2 ; diluted sulphuric acid, 1 ; water, 80) is 
mildly astringent. [The ointment of rose water is a favorite 
soothing application for the skin.] 

ROSA CANINA. 

HIPS. — [B. P., not official]. — The fruit of the Dog Rose, Rosa canina 
and other species (nat. ord. Rosacece). [Habitat. — Britain.] 

Characters. — About [25 mm.] long, ovoid, scarlet, shining, smooth; 
no odor. Taste sweet, sub-acid. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are. — (1) Malic Acid. (2) Citric 
Acid. (3) Tannic Acid. (4) A volatile oil. (5) Sugar. 

Uses of Hips. 

The confection [B. P., Hips, 1 ; sugar, 3 ;] is used as a basis 

for pills. 

THERIACA. 

TREACLE.— [B. P., not official.] The uncrystallized residue in the 
refining of sugar. 

Treacle is contained in Tinctura Chloroformi et Morphinae. See p. 274. 

Action and Uses of Treacle. 

Treacle is used as a flavoring agent. It is slightly demulcent 

and laxative. 

SACCHARUM. 

[SUGAR.— C 12 H 22 11 =34I.2. Synonym. — Cane Sugar. The refined 
Sugar obtained from Saccharum officinamm Linne, and from various species 
or varieties of Sorghum (nat. ord. Gra??iinece) ; also from one or more varie- 
ties of Beta vulgaris Linne (nat. ord. Chenopodiacecz). Habitat. — Southern 
Asia ; cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. 

Characters. — White, dry, hard, distinctly crystalline granules, odorless, 
and having a purely sweet taste. Permanent in the air. Solubility.— In 0.5 
part of water, and in 175 parts of Alcohol ; but insoluble in Ether, Chloroform, 
or Carbon Disulphide. 

Dose, indefinite. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus. — Syrup. Sugar, 850 ; Distilled Water, by solution with 
heat, and straining to 1000. 



628 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



Syrup thus prepared has the Sp. gr., 1.317. It is used for com- 
pound syrups. 

Dose, indefinite.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sugar. 

Sugar is used as a sweetening agent. [Syrup is used as a 

vehicle. 

MELISSA. 

MELISSA. — Synonym. — Balm. The leaves and tops of Melissa offici- 
nalis Linne (nat. ord. Labiates). Habitat. — Asia Minor, Southern Europe; 
naturalized in the United States ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Leaves long, petiolate, ovate, obtuse, rounded or subcor- 
date at the base, crenate, somewhat hairy, glandular ; branches quadrangular ; 
flowers in about four-flowered cymules, with a tubular, bell-shaped, five- 
toothed calyx, a whitish or purplish bilabiate corolla, and four stamens ; 
fragrant, aromatic ; somewhat astringent and bitterish. 

Composition. — (1) Volatile Oil, ^ per cent. (2) Tannic Acid. (3) 
Bitter principle. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Uses of Balm. 
Balm is used as a flavoring agent. 



RUBUS ID^EUS. 

RASPBERRY. — The fruit of Rubus idaus Linne (nat. ord. Rosacea:). 
Habitat. — Europe and Asia; cultivated. 

Characters. — Deprived of the conical receptacle, and therefore hollow 
at the base; hemispherical, red, finely hairy, composed of from twenty to 
thirty coalesced, small drupes, each one crowned with the withered style ; 
juice red; of an agreeable odor, and a pleasant, acidulous taste. 

Composition. — (1) Volatile oil, a trace. (2) Citric and Malic Acids. 
(3) Sugar, about 5 per cent. (4) Pectin. 

Preparation. 
Syrupus Rubi Idaei. — Syrup of Raspberry. Fresh ripe rasp- 



berries (filtered juice), 40; 
Dose, indefinite. 



Sugar, 60. 



Uses of Raspberry. 
Raspberry syrup is used chiefly as a flavoring agent. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED AS FLAVORING AGENTS. 629 

VANILLA. 

VANILLA. — The fruit of Vanilla planifolia Andrews (nat. ord. 
Orckidece). Habitat. — Eastern Mexico, in hot, damp woods; cultivated in 
the tropics. 

Characters. — From 15 to 25 cm. long, and about 8 mm. thick, linear, 
narrowed and bent or hooked at the base, rather oblique at the apex, wrinkled, 
somewhat warty, dark brown, glossy-leathery, one-celled, and containing a 
blackish-brown pulp, with numerous, minute seeds, and more or less acicular 
crystals ; odor and taste peculiar, fragrant. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — Vanillin, C 8 H 8 3 , a crystal- 
line principle, 1.7 to 2.75 per cent., which develops upon the ripening of the 
pod. (2) Fixed Oil, II per cent. (3) Resin. (4) Sugar. (5) Mucilage. 
Vanillin is the Aldehyde of Methylprotocatechuic Acid ; and can be prepared 
artificially from Coniferin, Carbolic Acid, Guaiacol and Eugenol, C 10 H 12 O 2 , the 
last being found in Oil of Cloves [see p. 506). 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Vanillae. Tincture of Vanilla. Vanilla, 100; Sugar, 
200; by maceration with Alcohol and Water to 1000. 
Dose, as flavoring agent. 

Uses of Vanilla. 
Vanilla is used solely as a flavoring agent. 

SALVIA. 

SALVIA. — Synonym. — Sage. The leaves of Salvia officinalis Linne 
(nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — Southern Europe; cultivated. 

Characters. — About 5 cm. long, petiolate, ovate-oblong, obtuse or 
subacute at the apex, rounded or somewhat heart-shaped at the base, finely 
crenulate, thickish, wrinkled, grayish-green, soft-hairy and glandular beneath; 
odor aromatic; taste aromatic, bitterish, and somewhat astringent. 

Composition. — It contains — (1) A volatile oil, containing Salviol, C ]0 
H 18 0, Cineol and Pinene. (2) Resin. (3) Tannic acid. 

Dose, }( to 1 dr.; 1. to 4. gm. 

Action and Uses of Sage. 
It is used chiefly as a condiment, and it is said to be beneficial 
in checking the perspiration of hectic fever. 

OLEUM MYRCIiE. 
OIL OF MYRCIA. — Synonym.— Oil of Bay. A volatile oil distilled 
from the leaves of Myrcia acris De Candolle (nat. ord. Myrtacece). Habitat. 
— West Indies. 



630 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — A yellow or brownish-yellow liquid, having an aromatic, 
somewhat clove-like odor, and a pungent, spicy taste. Sp. gr., 0.975 to 
0.990. Solubility. — With an equal amount of Alcohol, glacial Acetic Acid, 
or Carbon Disulphide, it yields slightly turbid solutions. 

Preparation. 

Spiritus Myrcise. — Spirit of Myrcia. Synonym. — Bay Rum. 
Oil of Myrcia, 16 ; Oil of Orange Peel, 1 ; Oil of Pimenta, 1 ; Alcohol, 
1220; Water to 2000. * 

Uses of Myrcia. 

Oil of myrcia is used solely as a perfume. Bay rum is used 
as a refrigerant lotion. 

OLEUM SESAMI. 

OIL OF SESAMUM.— Synonyms — Sesame Oil. Teel Oil. Benne 
Oil. A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Sesamum indicum Linne (nat. 
ord. Pedaliacece). Habitat. — India; cultivated. 

Characters. — A yellowish or yellow, oily liquid, inodorous or nearly 
so, and having a bland, nut-like taste. Sp. gr., 0.919 to 0.923. 

Uses of Oil of Sesamum. 
Benne oil is used in preparing hair oil. 

MORI SUCCUS. 

MULBERRY JUICE.— [B. P., not official.]— The juice of the ripe 
fruit of Morus nigra (nat. ord. Urticacece). \_Habitat. — Britain.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Grape Sugar. (2) Malic 
Acid. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Mori. — [B. P., not official.] — [Syrup of Mulberry.] 
Mulberry juice, 24; Sugar, 75 ; Alcohol, 1. 
Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr.; [4. to 8. c.c] 

Uses of Mulberry. 

The juice and syrup of mulberries are used as a coloring and 
flavoring agent. 



VEGETABLE DRUGS USED ONLY AS COLORING AGENTS. 631 

GROUP XVII. 

Vegetable drugs used only as coloring agents. 
Saffron, [Red Saunders, Red Poppy Petals.] 

CROCUS. 

SAFFRON. — [The stigmas of Crocus sativus Linne (nat. ord. Iridea). 
Habitat. — Western Asia; cultivated in Spain and France. 

Characters. — Separate stigmas, or three, attached to the top of the 
style, about 3 cm. long, flattish-tubular, almost thread-like, broader and 
notched above; orange-brown; odor strong, peculiar, aromatic; taste bitterish 
and aromatic] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Polychroite, [C 44 H 70 O 28 
an amphorous, brown-yellow Glucoside, soluble in Alcohol and water, splitting 
into Sugar (Crocose), and red Crocetin, (formerly called Crocin), C 34 H 46 9 , 
soluble in Ether and Alcohol. (2) Picrocrocin, C 33 H 66 17 , in colorless, bitter 
needles, readily soluble in Alcohol and water. (3) A volatile oil, C 10 H 16 , 1 
per cent. (4) Fixed oil.] 

Impurities. — Marigold, saffron petals, chalk, and oil. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr.; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 

Preparations. 

Tinctura Croci. — [Tincture of Saffron. Saffron, 100; by macer- 
ation and percolation with Diluted Alcohol to 1 000. 
Dose, 1 to 2 £1. dr. ; 4. to 8. c. c] 

Uses of Saffron. 
Saffron is only used to color [pharmaceutical] praparations. 

[SANTALUM RUBRUM. 

RED SAUNDERS.— The wood of Pterocarpus santalinus Linne 
filius (nat. ord. Leguminosce). Habitat. — Madras; cultivated. 

Characters. — A hard, heavy, dark reddish-brown, coarsely splintery 
wood, deprived of the light-colored sap-wood ; usually met with in chips, or 
as a coarse, irregular, brownish-red powder, nearly inodorous and nearly taste- 
less. Resembling Red Saunders.'] — Logwood, which is less dense. 

Composition — The chief constituents are — [(1) Santa/in, C 15 H u 5 , in 
red needles. (2) Santa/, C 8 H 6 3 , in colorless scales. (3) Pterocarpin, 
C^HjgOg. (4) Homopterocarpin, C 24 H 24 6 , in colorless crystals.] 

Red Saunders is contained in Tinctura Lavandulae Composita. 



632 organic materia medica. 

Uses of Red Saunders. 

Red Saunders is used to color preparations, but is of no value 

medicinally. 

RHCEADOS PETALA. 

RED POPPY PETALS.— [B. P., not official.]— The fresh petals of 
Papaver Rh<zas (nat. ord. Papaveracece). \_Habitat. — Britain.] 

Characters. — Scarlet, with a smell of opium and a bitter taste. 

Composition. — Red coloring matter 40 per cent. This consists of Papa- 
veric and Rhceadic Acids. It is soluble in water. 

Action and Uses of Poppy Petals. 
The petals contain no morphine, nor have they any narcotic 
properties. [The syrup of poppy petals, II. P., Poppy petals, 2; 
syrup, 7*; of which the dose is 1 fl. dr., 4. c. c, is only used as a 
coloring agent.] 

GROUP XVIII. 

Vegetable substances whose action is mechanical. 

Cotton, [Pyroxylin, Cotton Seed Oil], Oil of Theobroma, Mastic, 

[India-rubber,] Gutta Percha, [Wheat] Flour, Starch, 

Yeast, Lycopodium, Quillaja, [Wood Wool.] 

GOSSYPIUM [PURIFICATUM. 

PURIFIED COTTON. — Synonym. — Absorbent Cotton. The hairs 
of the seed of Gossypium herbaceum Linne, and of other species of Gos- 
sypium (nat. ord. Malvacece), freed from adhering impurities, and deprived of 
fatty matter. Habitat. — Tropical Asia and Africa; cultivated in tropical and 
subtropical countries. 

Characters. — White, soft, fine filaments, appearing under the micro- 
scope as hollow, flattened and twisted bands, spirally striate, and slightly thick- 
ened at the edges ; inodorous and tasteless ; insoluble in ordinary solvents, but 
soluble in Copper Ammonium Sulphate solution.] 

PYROXYLINUM.— Pyroxylin. Synonyms.— Gun Cotton. [Soluble 
Gun Cotton. Calloxylin. Purified Cotton, 100 ; is immersed in a mixture of 
Sulphuric, 2200 ; and Nitric Acids, 1400 ; washed with a large quantity of 
Water, drained and dried. 

Preparations. 

1. Collodium. — Collodion. Pyroxylin, 30; dissolved in Ether, 
750 ; and Alcohol, 250. 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 633 

2. Collodium Flexile. — Flexible Collodion. Collodion, 920; 
Canada Turpentine, 50 ; Castor Oil, 30. 

3. Collodium Cantharidatum. — Cantharidal Collodion. Syn- 
onym. — Blistering Collodion. Cantharides, 60; by percolation with 
Chloroform, evaporation and solution of residue in Flexible Collo- 
dium, 85. 

4. Collodium Stypticum. — See Tannic Acid, p. 562.] 

Action and Therapeutics. 
The use[s] of cotton [are] well known. Pyroxylin is only used 
to make collodion. Collodion, when painted on the skin, rapidly 
dries from evaporation of the ether, and covers the skin with a thin 
protective film. Flexible collodion has the same properties, but it 
does not crack, as collodion often does. These preparations are 
protective to small wounds, and are used after slight operations. 
If the end of the urethra or prepuce is closed at night with collo- 
dion, nocturnal incontinence may sometimes be cured. 

OLEUM GOSSYPII SEMINIS. 

COTTON SEED OIL.— A fixed oil expressed from the seed of 
Gossypium herbaceum Linne, and other species of Gossypium (nat. ord. Mal- 
vacece), and subsequently puiified. Habitat. — Asia and Africa; cultivated. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, oily liquid, without odor, and having a 
bland, nut-like taste and neutral reaction. Sp. gr., 0.920 to 0.930. Solu- 
bility. — Slightly soluble in Alcohol, but readily soluble in Ether, Chloroform, 
or Carbon Disulphide. 

Composition. — (i) Olein. (2) Palmitin. (3) Coloring matter. 

Cotton Seed Oil is used in Linimentum Ammonise and Linimentum Cam- 
phorse. 

Action and Uses of Cotton Seed Oil. 

This is used simply as a bland, nutritious oil, and in lini- 
ments.] 

OLEUM THEOBROMATIS. 

OIL OF THEOBROMA.-5)/w«j/w- Butter of Cacao. [A fixed 
oil expressed from the seed of Theobroma Cacao Linne (nat. ord. Sterculi- 
acece). Habitat. — South America. 

Characters. — A yellowish- white solid, having a faint, agreeable odor, 
and a bland, chocolate-like taste. Sp. gr., 0.970 to 0.980. Solubility. — 
Readily in Ether or Chloroform ; also soluble in 100 parts of Alcohol. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Stearin. (2) Laurin. 
(3) Arachin. (3) Olein. (5) Formic, Acetic and Butyric Acid Glycerides.] 



634 organic materia medica. 

Uses of Oil of Theobroma. 
Oil of theobroma is used to make suppositories, [and as a 

source of stearic acid.] 

MASTICHE. 

MASTIC. — A concrete resinous exudation from Pistacia Lentiscus 
[Linne (nat. ord. Anacardiece). Habitat. — Mediterranean basin.] 

Characters. — [Globular or elongated tears, of about the size of a pea, 
sometimes covered with a whitish dust, pale yellow, transparent, having a glass- 
like lustre and an opalescent refraction; brittle; becoming plastic when 
chewed; of a weak, somewhat balsamic, resinous odor, and a mild terebin- 
thinate taste. Solubility. — Completely in Ether, and, for the most part, soluble 
in Alcohol.] Resembling Mastic. — Acacia, which is larger, rougher, and 
more opaque. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (i) A resin, [C 20 H 32 O 2 ,] 
Mastichic Acid, 90 per cent. ; soluble in Alcohol. (2) Masticin, a resin, [in- 
soluble in Alcohol. (3) Volatile oil, C 10 H 16 , 1 to 2 per cent. 

Impurity. — Sandarac. 

Preparation. 

Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches. — See Aloes, p. 469.] 

Action and Uses of Mastic. 
[Mastic is a mild stimulant, mostly used as a masticatory, for 
filling decayed teeth, and for cements and varnishes. 

ELASTICA. 

INDIA-RUBBER. — Synonym. — Caoutchouc. The prepared milk- 
juice of various species of Hevea (nat. ord. Euphorbiacece) , known in com- 
merce as Para Rubber. Habitat. — In tropical countries. 

Characters. — In cakes, balls, or hollow, bottle-shaped pieces, externally 
brown to brownish-black, internally brownish or of lighter tint ; very elastic. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water, diluted acids, or diluted solutions of alkalies ', 
soluble in Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, Oil of Turpentine, Benzin, and 
Benzol. When heated to about 257 F.; 125 C, it melts, remaining soft and 
adhesive after cooling. Odor faint, peculiar; nearly tasteless. 

Composition. — (1) A solid Hydrocarbon, C 20 H 32 . (2) Fat. (3) Vola- 
tile oil. (4) Coloring matters. On combining it with 10 per cent, of Sulphur, 
Vulcanized Rubber is obtained ; with 50 per cent. , and hardening by pressure 
Vulcanite or Ebonite is produced. 

Uses of India-Rubber. 
India-rubber is used for making plasters, bougies, pessaries, 
and syringes.] 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 635 

GUTTA PERCHA. 

GUTTA PERCHA. [B. P., not official].— The concrete juice of 
Dichopsis gutta and several other trees of the same natural order (nat. ord. 
Sapotacece). [Habitat. — South America.] 

Characters. — Light brown, tough, flexible, plastic at a temperature 
above 120° F.; [48. 8° C] Solubility. — Not at all in water, Alcohol, alkalies, 
or acids. Almost entirely in Chloroform. Entirely in Oil of Turpentine, 
Carbon Disulphide, or Benzol. 

Preparation. [B. P., not official]. 

Liquor Gutta Percha — [Solution of Gutta Percha.] Gutta 
Percha, 1 ; Chloroform, 9 ; Lead Carbonate, 1 ; decant. 

Uses of Gutta Percha. 
Gutta percha is used in making splints. 
FARINA TRITICI. 

WHEAT FLOUR. — [B. P., not official.]— The grain of wheat, 
Tritictim sativum (nat. ord. Gramineai], ground and sifted. [Habitat. — 
Cultivated.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Starch. (2) Gluten. (3) 
Sugar. (4) Mucilage. (5) Salts. 

[Uses of Wheaten Flour.] 

Flour is used in the form of Mica Panis (bread crumb) as a 
basis for pills, and in the making of cataplasmata. 

AMYLUM. 

STARCH.— [The fecula of the seed of Zea Mays Linne (nat. ord. Gra- 
mine/z). Habitat. — Tropical Asia and Africa; cultivated in tropical and sub- 
tropical countries. 

Characters. — In irregular, angular masses, which are easily reduced to 
a fine powder ; white, inodorous, and tasteless ; insoluble in Ether, Alcohol, 
or cold water. Under the microscope appearing as granules, nearly uniform 
in size, more or less angular in outline, with indistinct striae and with a distinct 
hilum near the centre. 

Composition. — Its ultimate composition is C 6 H 10 O 5 , but it consists of a 
mixture of various modifications of Starch-cellulose and Starch-granulose.] 

Preparation. 
Glyceri[tum Amyli. — See Glycerin, p. 577.] 



636 organic materia medica. 

Action and Therapeutics of Starch. 
Starch is chiefly employed for its mechanical properties, on 
account of which it is used as a basis for dusting powders and 
insufflations. The glycerite is a basis for suppositories ; the 
mucilage [B. P., i to 40] is a basis for ointments, and may be 
used to suspend insoluble powders or oils. 

CEREVISIiE FERMENTUM. 

YEAST. — [B. P., not official.] — Synonym. — Beer yeast. The ferment 
obtained in brewing beer, and produced by Saccharomyces ( Toruld) cerevisice 
(nat. ord. Fungi). 

Characters. — Viscid semi-fluid, frothy, exhibiting under the microscope 
numerous roundish or oval cells, or filaments composed of cells. Odor pecu- 
liar. Taste bitter. 



Action and Therapeutics of Yeast. 

A yeast poultice (yeast 3, water at ioo° F., [37.7°C] 3, 

wheat flour, 7,) has been applied to sloughing sores and ulcers, 

but it is rarely used. 

LYCOPODIUM. 

LYCOPODIUM. — [Synonyms. — Vegetable Sulphur. Club Moss. 
The spores of Lycopodium clavatum Linne, and of other species oi Lycopodium 
(nat. ord. Lycopodiacece). Habitat. — Europe, Asia, and North America, in 
dry woods. 

Characters. — A fine powder, pale yellowish, very mobile, inodorous, 
tasteless, floating upon water and not wetted by it, but sinking on being boiled 
with it, and burning quickly when thrown into a flame. Under the micro- 
scope the spores are seen to be sphsero-tetrahedral, the surfaces marked with 
recticulated ridges, and the edges beset with short projections. 

Composition. — (1) Fixed oil, 47 to 49 per cent. (2) Cane Sugar, 2 per 
cent. (3) A volatile base, Methylamine, in minute quantities. 

Impurities. — Pollen, starch and sand.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Lycopodium. 
Lycopodium has a great power of absorbing oils and oleo- 
resins It is excellent as a basis of pills, especially as it protects 
hygroscopic substances, for it is powerfully repellant to water. 
It is useful as a dusting powder, and also as a basis for insuffla- 
tions. 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 637 

QUILLAJA. 

QUILLAJA. — Synonyms. — [Panama Wood. Soap Bark. The inner 
bark of Quillaja Saponaria Molina (nat. ord. Rosacece). Habitat. — Chili and 
Peru. 

Characters. — Flat, large pieces, about 5 ram. thick; outer surface 
brownish-white, often with small patches of brown cork attached, otherwise 
smooth ; inner surface whitish, smooth ; fracture splintery, checkered with 
pale, brownish bast fibres, imbedded in white tissue; inodorous; taste per- 
sistently acrid ; the dust very sternutatory. 

Composition. — (i) Saponin , about 9 per cent., a mixture of the Gluco- 
sides, Quillaic Acid, C 19 H 30 O 10 , and Sapotoxin, C 17 H 26 O 10 . 

Dose, }( to y 2 dr. ; 1. to 2. gm. 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Quillajae. — Tincture of Quillaja. Quillaja, 200; by 
boiling with Water, straining and washing, addition of Alcohol, 350 ; 
filtration and addition of Water to 1,000. 
Dose, ]/ z to 2 fi. dr. ; 2. to 8. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Quillaja. 
Quillaja imparts a soapy character to cold water, and has been 
much used to infuse oily liquids through water. The tincture 
has been used as an expectorant, when a pleasant remedy is de- 
sired. It does not provoke diarrhoea nor vomiting, and has a 
somewhat sweetish, rather agreeable taste.] 

WOOD WOOL. 
WOOD WOOL. — [Not official.] — This is finely comminuted pine wood 
rendered antiseptic with [Corrosive Mercuric Chloride.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Wood Wool. 
It is very absorbent, is used for dressing wounds, and is very 
popular in the form of diapers (sanitary towels) for use during 
menstruation or for uterine discharges, or after delivery. It is 
also used for infants' napkins. 



638 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

GROUP XIX. 

Vegetable substances [acting on Metabolism]. 

Guaiacum [Xanthoxylum], Sarsaparilla, [Menispermum, Stillingia, 

Lappa,] Sassafras, Bael Fruit, Hemidesmus, [Calendula, 

Scutellaria, Tonga], Oleum Gynocardiae. 

GUAIACUM. 

GUAIACI LIGNUM. — Guaiacum Wood. Synonym. — Lignum vitae. 
The heart-wool of Guaiacum officinale [Linne, and of Gziaiacum sanctum 
Linne (nat. ord. Zygophyllece). Habitat. — West Indies, North and South 
America. 

Characters. — Heavier than water, hard, brown or greenish-brown, resin- 
ous, marked with irregular, concentrated circles, surrounded by a yellowish 
alburnum, splitting irregularly ; when heated, emitting a balsamic odor ; taste 
slightly acrid. Guaiacum Wood is generally used in the form of raspings or 
turnings, which should be greenish-brown, containing few particles of a 
whitish color, and should acquire a dark bluish-green color on the addition of 
Nitric Acid.] 

Composition. — The principal constituent is the Resin {see below), 20 to 
25 per cent. 

Gtiaiacum Wood is tised to make Decoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum. 

Dose, ^ to 1 dr. ; [1. to 4. gm.] 

GUAIACI RESINA. — Guaiac. [Synonym. — Gum Guaiac. The resin 
of the wood of Guaiacum officinale Linne (nat. ord. Zygophyllece}. 

Source. — By melting the resin of the heartwood by fire. 

Characters. — In irregular masses, or subglobular pieces, externally green- 
ish-brown, internally of a glassy lustre, and, in recent Guaiac, usually reddish- 
brown, transparent in thin splinters, fusible, feebly aromatic, the odor be_ 
coming stronger in heating ; taste somewhat acrid; powder grayish, turning 
green on exposure to air.] Guaiacum Resin on dry distillation yields 
Guaiacol, also found in Creosote (see p. 314). Resembling Guaiacum Resin. 
— Myrrh, Scammony, Benzoin, Aloes, and Resin, but these have no greenish 
tinge. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Gtiaiaconic Acid, C ]9 H 20 
5 (70 per cent.). (2) Guaiacic Acid. (3) Guaiaretic Acid, [C 20 H 26 O 4 
(about 10 per cent.).] These are insoluble in water, but soluble in alkalies. 
(4) Gum, a small quantity. 

Incompatibles. — Mineral acids and spirit of nitrous ether. 

[Guaiac Resin is contained in Pilulae Antimonii Compositae.] 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; [.30 to 2.00 gm.] 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 639 

Preparations. 

[x. Tinctura Guaiaci. — Tincture of Guaiac. Guaiac, 200. By 
maceration with Alcohol, and filtration to 1000. 
Dose, y 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

2. Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata. — [Ammoniated Tincture of 
Guaiac. Guaiac, 200; by maceration with Aromatic Spirit of Am- 
monia, and filtration to iooo. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

Action of Guaiac. 

External. — [The tincture of guaiac is used for the detection 
of blood stains.] 

Internal. — Guaiacum resin gives rise to an acrid feeling in 
the throat and a sensation of heat in the epigastrium. It in- 
creases the secretions and movements of the intestine and stomach. 
Large doses are gastro-intestinal irritants, causing vomiting and 
purging. It reflexly stimulates the heart. 

Therapeutics of Guaiac 

Internal. — Guaiacum resin is so [disagreeable] and its value 
so doubtful that it is rarely ordered. It is used empirically, some- 
times successfully, for chronic sore throat, especially if the sub- 
ject has had syphilis. Lozenges (2 gr. [.12 gm.] of the resin with 
black currant paste) are prepared. The mixture [B. P., Guaiacum 
resin, 2 ; sugar, 2 ; acacia, 1 ; cinnamon water, 80., dose y^ to 
2 fl. oz., 15. to 60. c. c] is said to be a more efficacious prepa- 
ration than that of the tincture. Thirty grains [2. gm.] of the 
powder itself may be placed on the back of the throat and swal- 
lowed. Guaiacum is a mild purgative, and it has been given as a 
pill in chronic constipation ; it was formerly employed in chronic 
rheumatism. Lately it has been strongly recommended by 
Garrod as a means of warding off attacks of gout. For this pur- 
pose 12 gr., [.75 gm.] of the powdered resin may be taken in a 
cachet for an indefinite period, even several years. It is well to 
follow it by a draught of effervescent lithium citrate. 



040 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

[XANTHOXYLON. 

XANTHOXYLON.-^w«y;«. Prickly Ash Bark. The bark of 
Xanthoxylum americanum Miller, and of Xanthoxylum Clava-Herculis 
Linne (nat. ord. Rutacece). Habitat. — North America. 

Characters. — Xanthoxylum americanum (Northern Prickly Ash) is in 
curved or quilled fragments, about I mm. thick ; outer surface brownish gray, 
with whitish patches, and minute, black dots, faintly furrowed, with some 
brown, glossy, straight, two-edged spines, linear at the base, and about 5 mm. 
long ; inner surface whitish, smooth ; fracture short, non-fibrous, green in the 
outer and yellowish in the inner layer; inodorous; taste bitterish, very pun- 
gent. 

Xanthoxylum Clava-Herculis (Southern Prickly Ash) resembles the 
preceding, but is about 2 mm. thick, and is marked by many conical, corky 
projections, sometimes 2 cm. high, and by stout, brown spines, rising from a 
corky base. Resembling Xanthoxylwn. — Aralia spinosa, which is nearly 
smooth externally, and beset with slender prickles in transverse rows. 

Composition. — It contains — (1) An acrid, green oil. (2) A resin, 
crystalline, white and tasteless. (3) An acrid, soft resin. (4) A bitter sub- 
stance, probably an alkaloid. (5) Tannic acid, in small quantity. 

Dose, 10 to 30 gr.; .60 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation, 
Extractum Xanthoxyli Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Xanthoxy- 
lum. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 10 to 30 m. ; .60 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Prickly Ash Bark. 
Xanthoxylum has about the same action as guaiac. It pro- 
duces, when swallowed, a sensation of heat. It enjoys some 
reputation as a remedy for chronic rheumatism, and has been 
used in syphilis and chronic hepatic disorders. For patients 
suffering from chronic syphilis who do not tolerate either mercury 
or the iodides, McDade's formula may be employed. This is equal 
parts of the fluid extracts of sarsaparilla, stillingia, lappa, phytol- 
lacca root and tincture of xanthoxylon. The dose is from 1 to 4 
fl. dr., 4. to 15. c.c, thrice daily. The bark, used as a mastica- 
tory, is a popular remedy for tooth-ache.] 

SARSAPARILLA. 
SARSA[PARILLA. — The root of Smilax officinalis Kunth, Smilax 
medica Chamisso et Schlechtendal, Smilax papyracea Duhamel, and of other 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 641 

undetermined species of Smilax (nat. ord. Liliacece). Habitat. — Tropical 
America, from Mexico to Brazil. 

Characters. — About 4 or 5 mm. thick, very long, cylindrical, longitudi- 
nally wrinkled, externally grayish-brown or orange-brown ; internally showing 
a whitish and mealy, or somewhat horny, cortical layer, surrounding a circular 
wood-zone, the latter enclosing a broad pith ; nearly inodorous ; taste mucila- 
ginous, bitter, and acrid.] Resembling Sarsaparilla. — Senega, which is 
twisted and keeled ; Hemidesmus, which is cracked transversely. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Parillin [also named 
Smilacin, Parillinic Acid and Pariglin, about 0.2 per cent., an acrid gluco- 
side, soluble in hot water and Alcohol, insoluble in Ether], closely resembling 
Saponin. (2) Resin. (3) Trace of a Volatile Oil. [(4) Calcium Oxalate 
and other salts.] 

Incompatibles. — Alkalies. 

Dose, }i to 1 dr. ; [2. to 4. gm.] 

Preparations. 

1. Decoctum Sarsa[parillse Compositum. — Compound Decoc- 
tion of Sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla, 100; Sassafras, 20; Guaiacum 
Wood, 20; Glycyrrhiza, 20; Mezereum, 10. By boiling, marceration 
in Water and straining to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. oz. ; 30. to 120. ex.] 

2. Extractum Sarsa[parillae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Sar- 
saparilla. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and 
evaporation. 

Dose, ]/ 2 to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c] 

3. Extractum Sarsa[parillse Fluidum Compositum. — Com- 
pound Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla, 750 ; Glycyrrhiza, 
120; Sassafras, 100 ; Mezereum, 30. By maceration and percolation 
in Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, and evaporation, to 1000. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

4. Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus. — Compound Syrup of 
Sarsaparilla. Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla, 200; Fluid Extract of 
Glycyrrhiza, 15 ; Fluid Extract of Senna, 15 ; Oil of Sassafras, ■£$ ; Oil 
of Anise, Jq; Oil of Gaultheria, T L; Sugar, 650. By mixing, filtering, 
dissolving the Sugar, and straining with Water to 1000. 

Dose, ^ to 1 fl. oz.; 15. to 30. c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sarsaparilla. 
Sarsaparilla is not known to have any physiological action. 
It is never given alone, therefore we are ignorant of its therapeu- 
tical effects. Probably it has none. 
41 



642 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA.. 

[MENISPERMUM. 

MENISPERMUM.— Canadian Moonseed. Synonym.— Yellow Par- 
illa. The rhizome and roots of Menispermum canadense Linne (nat. ord. 
Menispermacece). Habitat. — North America, in moist thickets. 

Characters. — Rhizome several feet long, about 5 mm. thick, brown or 
yellowish-brown, somewhat knotty, finely wrinkled, longitudinally and beset 
with numerous thin, rather brittle roots; fracture tough, woody; internally 
yellowish, the bark rather thick, the wood" rays broad, porous, and longest on 
the lower side ; pith distinct ; nearly inodorous ; taste bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Menispine, a white alka. 
loid, insoluble in Benzol and alkalies. (2) Berberine [see p. 453). (3) 
Tannic acid. (4) Resin. 

Dose, 5 to 30 gr. ; .30 to 2.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Menispermi Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Meni- 
spermum. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and water, 
and evaporation. 

Dose, 5 to 30 m. ; .30 to 2.00 c.c. 

Action and Uses of Canadian Moonseed. 

The action and uses of menispermum are similar to those of 

sarsaparilla. 

STILLINGIA. 

STILLINGIA. — Synonyms. — Queen's Root. Queen's Delight. The 
root of Stillingia sylvatica Linn6 (nat. ord. Euphorbiacece). Habitat. — 
Southern United States, in sandy soil. 

Characters. — About 30 cm. long, and nearly 5 cm. thick, subcylindri- 
cal, slightly branched, compact, wrinkled, tough, grayish-brown, breaking with 
a fibrous fracture, showing a thick bark and porous wood, the inner bark and 
medullary rays having numerous yellowish-brown resin-cells ; odor peculiar, 
unpleasant; taste bitter, acrid, and pungent. 

Composition. — (1) Sylvacrol, an acrid resin, soluble in Alcohol and 
Chloroform. (2) Probably a glucoside. (3) Resin. (4) Volatile Oil. (5) 
Tannic acid. 

Dose, % to 1 dr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 
Extractum Stillingiae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Stillingia. 
By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, 3/ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c. 



vegetable substances acting on metabolism. 643 

Action and Uses of Stillingia. 

Stillingia is in large doses emetic and :athartic, but in smaller 

ones, alterative. It is a valuable remedy in syphilis and in the 

cutaneous and hepatic diseases which are benefited by so-called 

alterative medicines. 

LAPPA. 

LAPPA. — Synonym. — Burdock. The root of Arctium Lappa Linn6 
and some other species of Arctium (nat. ord. Composites). Habitat. — Europe 
and Northern Asia; naturalized in North America/in waste places. 

Characters. — About 30 cm. or more long, and in its thickest portion, 
from I to 2 cm. thick ; nearly simple, fusiform, fleshy, longitudinally wrinkled, 
crowned with a tuft of whitish, soft, hairy leaf-stalks; grayish-brown, inter- 
nally paler; fracture somewhat horny; bark rather thick, the inner part and 
the wood radially striate, the parenchyma free from starch, — often with cavi- 
ties lined with white remains of tissue ; odor feeble and unpleasant; taste 
mucilaginous, sweetish and somewhat bitter. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — ( 1 ) Possibly a glucoside. (2) 
Inulin. (3) Resin. (4) Tannic Acid, in small quantity. 

Dose, y z to 1 dr.; 2. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Lappse Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Lappa. By 
maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. 
Dose, yi to 1 fl. dr. ; 2. to 4. c.c. 

Action and Uses of Burdock. 

Burdock is considered to be a diuretic and diaphoretic alter- 
ative. It has been recommended in the treatment of various 
chronic skin diseases, especially in psoriasis and acne.] 

SASSAFRAS. 

SASSAFRAS. — [The bark of the root of Sassafras variifolium (Salis- 
bury) O. Kuntze (nat. ord. Laurinecz). Habitat. — North America from 
Eastern Texas and Kansas eastward to Florida and Ontario ; in woods. 

Characters. — In irregular fragments, deprived of the gray, corky layer , 
bright rust-brown, soft, fragile, with a short, corky fracture ; the inner surface 
smooth; strongly fragrant; taste sweetish, aromatic, and somewhat astringent. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A volatile oil {see below), 
about 5 per cent. (2) Sassafrid, a peculiar decomposition product of Tannic 
Acid. (3) Resin. (4) Tannic Acid.] 



644 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Sassafras is contained in Decoctum Sarsa[parillae Compositum, and Ex- 
tractum Sarsaparillse Fluidum Compositum. 
Dose, ^ to i dr. ; i. to 4. gm.] 

SASSAFRAS MEDULLA.— Sassafras Pith. The pith of Sassafras 
variifolium (Salisbury) O. Kuntze (nat. ord. Laurinece). 

Characters. — In slender, cylindrical pieces, often curved or coiled, 
light, spongy, white, inodorous and insipid. Macerated in water it forms a 
mucilaginous liquid, which is not precipitated on the addition of Alcohol. 

Preparation. 
Mucilago Sassafras Medullse. — Mucilage of Sassafras Pith. 
Sassafras Pith, 2; Water, 100. By maceration and straining. 
Dose, freely. 

OLEUM SASSAFRAS.— -Oil of Sassafras. A volatile oil distilled 
from Sassafras. 

Characters. — A yellowish or reddish -yellow liquid, having the charac- 
teristic odor of Sassafras without the odor of Camphor, and a warm, aromatic 
taste. It becomes darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 
I.070 to 1.090. Solubility. — Soluble, in all proportions in Alcohol, in 
Glacial Acetic Acid, and in Carbon Disulphide. 

Oil of Sassafras is contained in [Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus. 

Dose, 1 to 5 m. ; .06 to .30 c.c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Sassafras. 
The external and internal action of sassafras is, so far as is 
known, the same as that of volatile oils generally. [The mucilage 
is somewhat stimulant in its action, and is an excellent vehicle.] 

BELiE FRUCTUS. 

BAEL FRUIT.- [B. P., not official.]— The dried half-ripe fruit of 
sEgle marmelos (nat ord. Ptiiacece). \_Habitat.~\ — Malabar and Coromandel. 

Characters. — Roundish fruit the size of a large orange, usually imported 
in fragments of the hard, woody rind, with adherent dried pulp and seeds. 

Composition. — [Tannic Acid in small quantity.] 

Preparation, [B. P., not official.] 
Extractum Belae Liquidum. — [Liquid Extract of Bael Fruit.] 
Bael Fruit, 16; water, 17. 

Dose, 1 to a fl. dr. ; [4. to 8. c. c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Bael Fruit. 
The imported bael fruit is probably useless. In India the 
extract of the fresh fruit is used for the treatment of diarrhoea 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 645 

and dysentery. It contains but little tannic acid and its mode 
of action is unknown. 

HEMIDESMUS. 

HEMIDESMUS. [B. P., not official.]— The dried root of Hemi- 
desmus Indicus (nat. ord. Asclepiadacece). Synonym. — Indian Sarsaparilla. 
\IIabitat.— India.] 

Characters. — Cylindrical, twisted, longitudinally furrowed; [15. cm.] 
long ; their yellowish-brown corky layer easily separable from the rest of the 
bark, which is annularly cracked. Odor fragrant, taste sweetish, slightly 
acid. Resembling Hemidesmus. — Sarsaparilla, Ipecacuanha, and Senega, but 
they have no cracks. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) \_Coumarin.~\ (2) Hemi- 
desmic Acid. (3) Tannic Acid. 

Preparation. 

Syrupus Hemidesmi. [B. P. not official. — Syrup of Hemi- 
desmus]. I in 10. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; [4. to 8. c. c] 

Action and Therapeutics of Indian Sarsaparilla. 

Hemidesmus is used chiefly in India, and for the same pur- 
poses as sarsaparilla. It is doubtful whether it has any particular 

action. 

[CALENDULA. 

CALENDULA.— Synonym.— Marigold. The florets of Calendula 
officinalis Linne (nat. ord. Composite). Habitat. — Levant and Southern 
Europe ; cultivated. 

Characters. — Florets about 12 mm. long, linear and strap-shaped, deli- 
cately veined in a longitudinal direction, yellow or orange-colored, three- 
toothed above, the short hairy tube enclosing the remnants of a filiform style 
terminating in two elongated branches ; odor slight and somewhat heavy ; 
taste somewhat bitter and faintly saline. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) A peculiar principle, 
Calendulin, which is regarded as analogous to Bassorin. (2) An amorphous 
bitter principle. (3) Gum. 

Dose, 15 to 60 gr. ; 1. to 4. gm. 

Preparation. 

Tinctura Calendulse. — Tincture of Calendula. Calendula, 200. 
By maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 
Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. ; 4. to 15. c.c. 



646 organic materia medica. 

Action and Uses of Marigold. 

Marigold was formerly supposed to be antispasmodic, sudo- 
rific and emmenagogue, but now it is believed to have no thera- 
peutic value. 

SCUTELLARIA. 

SCUTELLARIA.— Synonym.— Skullcap. The herb of Scutellaria 
lateriflora Linne (nat. ord. Labiatce). Habitat. — North America; west to 
Alabama, New Mexico and Oregon, in damp thickets. 

Characters. — About 50 cm. long, smooth ; stem quadrangular, branched; 
leaves opposite, petiolate, about 5 cm. long, ovate-lanceolate or ovate-oblong, 
serrate; flowers in axillary, one-sided racemes, with a pale blue corolla, and 
bilabiate calyx, closed in fruit, the upper lip helmet-shaped ; odor slight ; taste 
bitterish. 

Composition.— (1) A bitterish principle. (2) Volatile oil, a trace. 

Dose, 1 to 2 dr. ; 4. to 8. gm. 

Preparation. 

Extractum Scutellariae Fluidum. — Fluid Extract of Scutel- 
laria. By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol and evap- 
oration. 

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr. ; 4. to 8. c.c. 

Uses of Scutellaria. 

Scutellaria has little medicinal effect. It is used as a nervous 
sedative; formerly it was given in decoction for epilepsy. 

TONGA. 

TONGA. — The bark of Raphidorphora vitiensis (nat. ord. Aracece) 
and Premna taitensis (nat. ord. Verbenacece). Habitat. — Fiji Islands. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Tongine, a volatile alka- 
loid. (2) A volatile oil.] 

Dose, X to x dr - 1 C 1 * to 4- g m ] 

Action and Therapeutics of Tonga. 

Tonga [as a fluid extract; dose, % to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c.c.,] . 
undoubtedly relieves some cases of intractable neuralgia. [Com- 
bined with salicylates it is of great value for the treatment of 
so-called muscular rheumatism. In large doses it is purgative.] 



VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES ACTING ON METABOLISM. 647 



OLEUM GYNOCARDI/E. 

CHAULMOOGRA OIL.— [Not official.]— The expressed oil from the 
seed of Gynocardia odorata (nat. ord. Bixinece.) [Habitat. — East India.] 

Characters. — [This is a whitish substance which is solid at 107 F., 
42 C, and is of an acid reaction. Sp. gr., at above temperature, 0.930. 
Solubility. — ] In ether, chloroform, and alcohol. 

Composition. — Chiefly Gynocardic ^4«y,*[C u H 24 2 ,] a yellowish oily 
body with a burning taste. 

Dose, 5 to 20 m. ; [.30 to 1,20 c.c] in capsules. 

Action and Uses of Chaulmoogra Oil. 

Chaulmoogra oil has been much used in leprosy, for the bacilli 
present in the blood have diminished in number during its 
administration, but it does not cure the disease. An ointment 
(3 to 8 of lanolin) has been used as a stimulant in chronic eczema 
and psoriasis. [It has been largely employed as a local applica- 
tion for bruises, sprains and stiffness by athletes.] 



Section II.— PHARMACOPCEIAL SUBSTANCES DERIVED FROM 
THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 

[The drugs in this section which act similarly will be grouped together. 
In Appendix II. a list of these drugs, arranged according to their Natural 
Orders, will be found.] 

GROUP I. 

Animal Drugs acting chiefly on the Nervous System. 

MOSCHUS. 
MUSK. — The dried secretion from the preputial follicles of Moschus 
' moschiferus [Linne (class Mammalia; order Ruminantia). Habitat. — 
Central Asia. 

Characters. — In irregular, crumbly somewhat unctuous grains, dark 
reddish-brown, having a peculiar, penetrating and persistent odor, and a bitter- 
ish taste. It is contained in oval or roundish sacs about 4 to 5 cm. in diam- 
eter, on one side invested with a smoothish membrane, on the other side 
covered with stiff, appressed, grayish hairs, concentrically arranged around two 
orifices near the centre. Solubility. — About 10 per cent, of Musk is soluble in 
Alcohol, the tincture being light brownish-yellow, and on the addition of 
water becoming slightly turbid. About 50 per cent, of Musk is soluble in 
water, the solution being deep brown, faintly acid, and strongly odorous. 

Composition. — (1) Ammonia. (2) An acid. (3) Cholesterin. (4) Fat. 
(5) Wax. (6) Gelatinous and albuminous principles. The odoriferous prin- 
ciple has not been isolated.] 

Impurities. — Dried blood, resin, lead and other substances. 
Dose, 2 to 10 gr.; [.12 to .60 gm. 

Preparation. 
Tinctura Moschi. — Tincture of Musk. Musk, 50; Alcohol, 
450 ; Water, 450 ; by maceration and filtration with Diluted Alcohol, 

to IOOO. 

Dose, j^ to 1 fl. dr. ; 1. to 4. c. c] 

Action of Musk. 
Musk is a very powerful diffusible stimulant, especially to 
the heart and nervous system. It also stimulates the respiratory 
centre. How it acts is not known. Occasionally it produces 
headache and nausea. 
648 . 



animal purgatives. 649 

Therapeutics of Musk. 

It has been used, and apparently with great success, in the 
collapse and prostration of long continued severe diseases, such 
as typhoid fever and pneumonia. Various functional nervous 
diseases, as hysteria, are occasionally treated with it. Its high 
price limits its use. It is usually given as a pill. 



GROUP II. 

, Animal Purgatives. 

Oxgall and Honey. 

FEL BOVIS. 

[OXGALL. — Synonym. — Fel Tauri. The fresh bile of Bos Taurus 
Linne (class Mammalia ; order Ruminantid). Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Characters. — A brownish-green or dark green, somewhat viscid liquid, 
having a peculiar, unpleasant odor, and a disagreeable, bitter taste. Sp. gr., 
1.018 lo 1.028. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Fel Bovi[s Purificatum. — Purified Oxgall. 

Source. — Evaporate Oxgall, 300, to 100; add Alcohol, 100. 
Decant, filter, and after distillation of the Alcohol, evaporate. 

Characters. — A yellowish green, soft solid, having a peculiar 
odor, and a partly sweet and partly bitter taste. Solubility. — Very 
soluble in water and in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr.; .30 to 1.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Oxgall. 
Oxgall has been used as a cholagogue purgative in cases of 
constipation, in which the pale color of the faeces indicates a 
deficient secretion of bile. [It has also been used as an anti- 
septic in typhoid fever and in intestinal fermentation.] An 
enema of twenty grains [1.20 gm.] or more dissolved in an 
ounce or two [30. to 60. c.c] of water is very useful in case of 
impacted faeces, in which the rectum is so full that there is not 
sufficient room for a larger enema. [One to two ounces \ 30. to 



650 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

60. gm. of oxgall in a pint; 500 c. c, of water would be much 
more likely to be successful.] 

MEL. 

HONEY. — A saccharine secretion deposited in the honey-comb by Apis 
mellijica Linne [(class Insecta ; order Hymenoptera). Habitat. — Domesti- 
cated. 

Characters. — A syrupy liquid of a light yellowish to pale yellowish- 
brown color, translucent when fresh, but gradually becoming opaque and 
crystalline, having a characteristic, aromatic odor, and a sweet, faintly acrid 
taste. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Dextrose or Grape Sugar. 
(2) Glucose or Fruit Sugar. (3) Wax. (4) Volatile .oil. (5) Formic Acid, 
a minute quantity.] 

Preparation. 

Mel Despumatum — Clarified Honey. Melt Honey in a water- 
bath, and strain while hot, adding 5 per cent, of Glycerin. 

Clarified Honey is contained in Confectio Rosa? and Mel Rosse. 
[Dose, freely.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Honey. 
Honey is a demulcent, relieving dryness of the mouth and 
facilitating swallowing. Oxymel, [clarified honey 8, acetic acid 
1, water 1,] is a useful preparation. It is a common ingredient of 
cough mixtures. Honey is a mild laxative, and may be given to 
children for this purpose. 



GROUP III. 

Animal Digestants. 
Pepsin and Pancreatin. 

PEPSINUM. 

PEPSIN. — [A proteolytic ferment or enzyme obtained from the glandular 
layer of fresh stomachs from healthy pigs, (Sits scrofa Linne ; class Mam- 
malia ; order Pachydermata) , and capable of digesting not less than 3000 
times its own weight of freshly coagulated and disintegrated egg albumin. 
Habitat. — Domesticated. 

SOURCE. — The mucous membrane of a pig's stomach, dissected off and 



ANIMAL DIGESTANTS. 651 

finely chopped, is macerated in water acidulated with Hydrochloric Acid for 
several days, with frequent stirring. The strained liquor is decanted and 
Sodium Chloride mixed with it. After several hours the floating mixture is 
skimmed from the surface and placed in cotton cloth to drain, and finally sub- 
mitted to strong pressure to get rid of the saline solution. 

Characters. — A fine white, or yellowish-white, amorphous powder, or 
thin, pale yellow or yellowish, transparent or translucent grains or scales, free 
from any offensive odor, and having a mildly acidulous or slightly saline taste, 
usually followed by a suggestion of bitterness. It slowly attracts moisture 
when exposed to the air. Solubility. — Soluble, or for the most part soluble, in 
about ioo parts of water, with more or less opalescence ; more soluble in water 
acidulated with Hydrochloric Acid ; insoluble in Alcohol, Ether or Chloroform. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr.; .30 to 4.00 gm. 

Preparation. 

Pepsinum Saccharatum. — Saccharated Pepsin. Pepsin, 10 ; 
Sugar of Milk, 90. By trituration. Saccharated Pepsin should 
digest 300 times its own weight of freshly coagulated and disinte- 
grated egg albumin. 

Dose, 5 to 60 gr. ; .30 to 4.00 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Pepsin. 

Pepsin may be given to help gastric digestion in those in 
whom from old age or long illness the secretion of gastric juice is 
deficient. Thus, for example, it is useful in convalescence from 
acute illness or in cases of cancer of the stomach. It is of no 
use as an aid to the digestion of fatty or carbo-hydrate food. It 
should be given in a powder or a pill directly after meals, and 
should be followed in about half an hour by a dose of hydro- 
chloric acid. The pepsin should be tested before use, as many 
preparations in the market are inert powders. 

Pepsin may be used to predigest albuminous food, either for 
administration by the mouth or the rectum. Often this is better 
than giving pepsin internally, for morbid processes may be going 
on in the stomach which prevent digestion. The rectum has 
very feeble powers of digestion, and therefore nutrient enemata 
or suppositories should always be predigested. It is found that 
for predigestion pancreatin {see p. 652), is usually a more reliable 
preparation than pepsin. Both should be employed with judg- 
ment, for there is a likelihood that if artificial digestion be used 



652 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

too long, the digestive functions of the stomach may [become 
incapable of action] from want of use. 

The following directions for peptonizing meat may be fol- 
lowed. Take one pound [450. gm.] of lean meat, reduce to a 
fine pulp, add six times its weight of water containing 0.2 per 
cent, of hydrochloric acid and 120 gr. [8. gm ] of pepsin. Digest 
at 120 F. [48. ° C] in a porcelain digester for five or six hours 
with frequent stirring. Then neutralize with sodium carbonate, 
boil and filter. Evaporate the filtrate on a water bath till it is 
of the consistency of a soft extract. 

Peptonized meat suppositories are often very valuable. To 
make one suppository 30 gr. [2. gm ] of the above extract is 
mixed with 40 gr. [2.40 gm.] of oil of theobroma, and moulded 
in a conical mould. 

[PANCREATINUM. 

PANCREATIN.— Synonym.— Zymine, (B. P.) A mixture of the enzy- 
mes naturally existing in the pancreas of warmblooded animals, usually 
obtained from the fresh pancreas of healthy pigs (Sus sa-ofa Linne ; class Mam- 
malia: order Pachydermata). Habitat. — Domesticated. 

SOURCE. — Macerate the cut-up pancreas in water acidulated with Hydro- 
chloric Acid for forty-eight hours, add a saturated solution of Sodium Chloride, 
allow to stand until the Pancreatin rises to the surface ; skim this, drain in a 
maslin filter, wash with a less concentrated solution of salt until nearly dry ; 
then rub up with Sugar of Milk, dry thoroughly without heat, and dilute with 
Sugar of Milk, until 10 gr. ; .60 gm., will just emulsify 2 fl. dr. ; 8. c.c. of Cod 
Liver Oil. 

Characters. — A yellowish, yellowish-white, or grayish, amorphous 
powder, odorless, or having a faint, peculiar, not unpleasant odor, and a some- 
what meat- like taste. Solubility. — Slowly and almost completely soluble in 
water, insoluble in Alcohol. 

Dose, 5 to 15 gr. ; .30 to 1.00 gm. 

Action and Uses. 

Pancreatin digests albuminoids, converts starch into sugar ; 
emulsifies fats and curdles milk, if an alkali be not present, 
on boiling. It is used as an artificial agent to assist the digestion 
of invalids and of old persons, or those prostrated by fever or 
exhaustion. Also by means of this, food may be partially or 
wholly digested previous to administration. It should be used 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHICH ARE ALSO FOODS. 653 

in combination with an alkali, as sodium bicarbonate, in the 
proportion of i to 4. Nutritive enemata should be thoroughly 
pancreatized.] 

GROUP IV. 

Animal Drugs which are also Foods. 

[Cod Liver Oil, Milk, Extract of Meat.] 

OLEUM MORRHU^. 

COD LIVER OIL.— Synonym.— [Oleum Jecoris Aselli. A fixed oil 
obtained from fresh livers of Gadus Morrhua Linne, and of other species of 
Gadus (class Pisces: order Teleostia ; family Gadida.) Habitat. — North 
Atlantic Ocean. An oil obtained from the Candle fish ( Thaleichthys Paaficus) 
is found in the markets under the name of Eulachon Oil and is sometimes sold 
as Cod Liver Oil. 

Source. — The fresh livers are slowly heated, and the oil is decanted from 
the water, and sometimes deprived of the solid fat by partial freezing. 

Characters. — A pale yellow, thin, oily liquid, having a peculiar, slightly 
fishy, but not rancid odor, and a bland, slightly fishy taste. Sp. gr., 0.920 to 
0.925. Solubility. — Scarcely soluble in Alcohol, but readily soluble in Ether, 
Chloroform, or Carbon Disulphide; also in 2.5 parts of Acetic Ether. 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Olein, 70 per cent., 
which is a fluid fixed oil, and is Glycerin Oleate the most abundant constituent 
of Cod Liver Oil. (2) Palmitin, with some Stearin, 25 per cent. (3) Free 
fatty acids, as Oleic, Palmitic, Stearic. (4) Gaduin, C 35 H 46 9 , a peculiar 
principle, very insoluble in ordinary menstrua. (5) Morrhuol, a crystalline 
substance of uncertain composition, containing Phosphorus, Iodine and Bro- 
mine. (6) Traces of Iodine and Bromine. (7) Biliary principles. The so- 
called alkaloids of Cod Liver Oil are decomposition products, ptomaines or 
cadaveric alkaloids, and are found in larger quantities in the brown oils. Their 
existence in fresh oil obtained from healthy livers has not been demonstrated.] 

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; [4. to 15. c.c] 

Action of Cod Liver Oil. 

External. — Cod liver oil is a bland unirritating oil. If it is 
desired to administer it in cases in which it is rejected by the 
stomach, it may be rubbed into the skin. The oil is certainly 
absorbed when applied in this way. 

Internal. — Gastro- intestinal tract. — Cod liver oil, even more 
than other oils, is liable to cause indigestion, nausea, and sick- 



654 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

ness. Large doses may set up diarrhoea. It is more readily 
absorbed than other oils. Loops of intestine have been isolated 
in the lower animals, and into each loop different oils have been 
injected. The intestines are returned to the abdominal cavity, 
and after some time the animal is killed and the loops are 
opened. It is always found that the cod liver oil has been more 
rapid ily absorbed than any other oil. The facility with which 
cod liver oil is absorbed is also shown by the fact that it often 
cannot be recognized in the faeces, although equal quantities of 
other oils taken by the mouth are passed unaltered. Some 
authorities believe that the superior absorbability of cod liver oil 
depends on the biliary principles contained in it, but this is 
doubtful ; others think that it is because the presence of free acids 
facilitates saponification and emulsion. 

Tissues. — Not only is cod liver oil more readily absorbed than 
other oils, but it is a better food. All oils lead to an increased 
formation of fat, but cod liver oil is the most powerful in this 
respect. It reduces the color of a solution of [potassium] per- 
manganate more readily than other oils — that is to say, it is more 
readily oxidized. Thus, as it is more easily absorbed and more 
easily oxidized, we have a partial explanation of its peculiar value 
in increasing the weight of the body \ but the general belief is 
that these two facts do not wholly explain the action of cod liver 
oil, and that it has some peculiar specific action not yet under- 
stood, especially upon those suffering from phthisis for whom it 
is a very valuable drug. [If it is true, as has been stated, that 
iodine may occur in the proportion of i to 2000 of the oil, the 
influence of this remedy is not to be ignored.] 

Therapeutics of Cod Liver Oil. 

External. — The smell of cod liver oil is so disagreeable that 
it should not be rubbed in externally unless this treatment be 
absolutely necessary. 

Internal. — Cod liver oil is of the greatest service in all 
varieties of tuberculous disease, the contra-indications being high 
temperature, severe haemoptysis and dyspepsia, vomiting, or diar- 
rhoea, whether primary or induced by the oil. Patients com- 



ANIMAL DRUCS WHICH ARE ALSO FOODS. 655 

moniy improve in every way under its influence. With the same 
exceptions it may be administered with great advantage in rickets, 
and in any chronic disease associated with loss of flesh, such as 
suppuration, convalescence from acute disease, tertiary syphilis 
and starvation. It often is of benefit in the chronic bronchitis 
and the chronic eczema of childhood. It is frequently given 
with success in neuralgia, general feebleness, despondency and 
other nervous conditions. Formerly it was often prescribed for 
chronic rheumatism. Many persons cannot, or imagine they 
cannot, take it on account of its [unpleasant] taste. There are 
in the market several preparations of cod liver oil in which, by 
careful preparation, the disagreeable taste is almost abolished. 
Ten minims [.60 ex.] of pure ether, with a [minim] or two [.06 to 
.12 c.c] of oil of peppermint or cloves, will, when mixed with a 
dose of cod liver oil, often render it more palatable. Sometimes 
it is taken in [soft] capsules, or made into a jelly with isinglass, or 
a little salt is put into the mouth after the oil is taken, or the 
mouth is rinsed out with brandy beforehand. Sometimes it is 
taken in coffee, but perhaps the best way is to form an emulsion 
of it. A very nutritious one is made by rubbing together equal 
parts of extract of malt and cod liver oil, and in this the oil can 
hardly be tasted [but it is likely to repeat.] 

The British Pharmaceutical Conference advises the following 
emulsion : — Cod liver oil, 8 fl. oz. [240. c.c] ; the yolk of two eggs; 
tragacanth in powder, 16 gr. [1. gm.] ; elixir of [saccharin (sac- 
charin,] 24 gr.; [i.5ogm.]; sodium bicarbonate, 12 gr. [.75 gm.] ; 
alcohol, 1 fl. dr. [4. c.c] ; distilled water, 7 fl. dr. [28. c.c.]). 1 
fl. dr. [4.C.C.] ; tincture of benzoin, 1 fl, dr. ; [4. c.c] ; spirit of 
chloroform, 4 fl dr.; [15. c.c]; oil of bitter almond, 8 m.; 
[.50 c.c]; distilled water to 16 fl. oz. ; [500. c.c.]. Dose, 2 to 
8 fl. dr.; [8. to 30. c.c.]. It is frequently desirable to give cod 
liver oil with iron. In that case the following preparation, in 
which the oil is emulsified with an alkali, will be found useful : — 
Cod liver oil, 4 fl dr.; [15. c.c]; iron and ammonium citrate, 
5 g r -> [-3° & m -] > potassium carbonate, 3 gr. ; [.20 gm. ; sac- 
charin,] 1^ gr [.015 gm.] ; oil of caraway, 1 m. ; [.06 c.c]; 
water to 1 fl. oz. ; [30. c.c.]. 



656 



ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 



LAC. 

MILK.— [B. P., not official.]— The fresh milk of the cow, Bos Taurus. 
(Ord. Ruminantia.) [Habitat. — Domesticated.] 

ARTIFICIAL HUMAN MILK.— (Not official.) 
Preparation. — Take half a pint [240. c.c] of skimmed milk; heat it 
to about 96 F. ; [35. 5 C] and put into the warmed milk a piece of rennet 
an inch [2.5 cm.] square, or a teaspoonful [4. c.c] of essence of rennet. 
Put the milk in a fender, or over a lamp, until it is quite warm. As soon as it is 
set, remove the rennet, break up the curd into small pieces with a knife, and 
let it stand for ten or fifteen minutes ; the curd will then sink. Then pour 
the whey into a saucepan and boil quickly. Measure one third of a pint [160. 
c.c] of this whey, and dissolve in it, while it is hot, 1 10 gr. [7. gm.] of Sugar 
of Milk. When this third of a pint [160. c.c] of whey is cold, add to it two- 
thirds of a pint [320. c.c] of new milk and two teaspoonfuls ; [8. c.c] of 
cream and stir. The food should be made fresh every twelve hours, and 
warmed as required. Care should be taken to select an essence of rennet 
which does not make the milk taste. 

Action and Therapeutics of Artificial Human Milk. 

Artificial human milk is invaluable as a food for infants whose 
mothers cannot suckle them. Many cases of infantile diarrhoea, 
indigestion, and sickness can be cured by substituting this milk 
for the usual milk and water, or infants' food. Some large dairy 
firms supply it, but it is cheaper to make it at home, and the 
above directions are easily carried out. 

PEPTONIZED MILK.— (Not official). 

Preparation. — Mix a pint [480. c.c] of milk with 5 fl. oz. [150. c.c] 
of water. Heat to 140 F. [6o° C.],and add Liquor Pancreat cus (Benger's), 
2 fl. dr. [8. c.c] ; or Zymine, [B. P.] (Fairchild's Extractum Pancreatis), 5 
gr. [.30 gm.] ; and Sodium Bicarbonate, 20 gr.; [1.20 gm.]. Leave the mix- 
ture at the ordinary temperature of the room for three hours, or if kept at 
about 13S F- [57- 2 ° C.] f° r about half an hour, then heat for a moment to 
boiling point. This preparation should be kept on ice until required. 

Action and Therapeutics of Peptonized Milk. 

Peptonized milk is used in many conditions in which it is 

thought that the gastric digestion is too feeble to digest ordinary 

milk, or in which it is desired, as sometimes, in typhoid fever, 

for instance, to avoid the curdling of milk in the stomach. Milk 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHICH ARE ALSO FOODS. 657 

should always be peptonized before being introduced into an 
enema. An usual nutrient enema consists of the yolk of an egg 
and milk up to four fluid ounces [120. c.c.]. This mixture may 
be peptonized in just the same way and with the same quantity 
of peptonizing agents as the pint [480 c.c] of milk. Thirty 
grains ; [2. gm.] of common salt should be added to the enema 
before use. 

KUMYSS.— (Not official). — [This is frequently written, Koumiss. 

Pkeparation.] — Dissolve 4 dr., [15. gm.] of grape sugar in 3 oz., [90. 
c.c] of water and 20 gr., [1.20 gm.] of yeast in 3 oz. [90. c.c] of cow's milk. 
Pour both into a bottle holding a quart [960. c.c], which is then filled up with 
milk, corked, wired, and put in a cool place and frequently shaken for four 
days. 

Uses of Kumyss. 
Kumyss contains a little alcohol and is extremely useful as a 
stimulant food in convalescence, in phthisis, and other condi- 
tions of exhaustion. [It is also used for the same purposes as milk ; 
it is usually more agreeable to the patient, and better borne by 
the stomach. The above is a very good substitute for the 
kumyss drunk by the Tartars, who prepare it by fermenting 

mare's milk.] 

[EXTRACTUM CARNIS. 

EXTRACT OF MEAT.— (Not official).— This preparation has for 
its object the obtaining the nutritive matters of the flesh of animals in a per- 
manent concentrated state. 

Source.— Equal parts of meat and cold water. Straining, evaporation 
and straining. 

Characters. — Reddish-brown in color, of a slightly acrid taste, and 
frequently of a disagreeable odor. 

Composition. — 100 parts of meat yield 25 of extract. It is rich in ni- 
trogenous principles, but contains neither fat nor gelatin. The method of 
Liebig has been followed, with variations, by a large number of manufacturers. 
The product, however, by no means represents the nutritive qualities of the 
meat itself, because the albumin and fibrin are largely wanting, besides an 
endeavor is put forth to get rid of the gelatin and fat. Of late the attempt has 
been made to retain these important nutritive principles. The beef meal 
which was used by Debove in his method of forced feeding (gavage) was 
practically desiccated beef; but it did not have its highest nutritive value be- 
cause it was, to a considerable extent, composed of insoluble matters. The 
more recent preparations are based upon the classical studies of Wurtz which 
42 



658 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

showed that in the juice of the Carica papaya (nat. ord. Passiflora) was a 
principle, called papain, capable of converting albuminoids into soluble albu- 
moses and peptones. The fact that a similar vegetable digestive principle 
exists in the juice of the pine-apple and allied plants of the nat. ord. Brome- 
liacece, as was first shown by Marcano, has been utilized in the manufacture of 
the Mosquera-Julia beef meal, where the process of digestion is carried on 
before desiccation, or it may be made as a jelly. The advantages of a vege- 
table over an animal pepsin, the greater acceptability to weak stomachs, the 
avoidance of the unpleasant taste and the disagreeable odor, and absence of 
bitterness are very important. By this method the preparation contains only 
ten per cent, of water, has four times the amount of albuminoid matter pre- 
sent in average lean beef, one-half of which is already in an assimilable form, 
and about three times as much fat, in addition. Besides, it is very convenient 
for administration. 

Action and Uses of Extract of Meat. 
Extract of meat is useful as a nutrient and a stimulant in re- 
lieving prostration and fatigue. The solution seasoned with cap- 
sicum is valuable in alcoholic excess and delirium tremens. In 
the infantile bowel disturbances, when milk must be forbidden, 
it is often indicated. In phthisis it will frequently sustain the 
patient ; in the aged it will support life without taxing the di- 
gestive powers. The amount to be used should be regulated by 
the age and condition of the patient.] 



GROUP V. 

Animal Emollients. 
Lard, Spermaceti, Egg. 



ADEPS. 

LARD. — [The prepared internal fat of the abdomen of Sus scrofa Linne 
(class Mammalia; order Packydermata), purified by washing with water, 
melting, and straining. Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Characters — A soft, white, unctuous solid, having a faint odor free 
from rancidity, and a bland taste. Solubility. — Insoluble in water; very 
slightly soluble in Alcohol; readily soluble in Ether, Chloroform, Carbon 
Disulphide or Benzin. Sp. gr., about 0.932 at 59 F. ; 15 C. 



ANIMAL EMOLLIENTS. 659 

Preparations. 

1. Adeps Benzoinatus. — See Benzoin, p. 621. 

2. Ceratum. — Cerate. White Wax, 300; lard, 700. 

3. Ceratum Resinae. — See Resin, p. 495. 

4. Unguentum. — Ointment. Lard, 800 ; Yellow Wax, 200. 

OLEUM ADIPIS.— Lard Oil. A fixed oil expressed from Lard at a 
low temperature. 

Characters. — A colorless, or pale yellow oily liquid, having a peculiar 
odor, and a bland taste. Sp. gr., 0.910 to 0.920. 

Composition. — (i) Olein. (2) Palmitin. (3) Stearin.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Lard. 
Lard is an emollient, and is used as a basis for ointments. 
The benzo[in]ated lard has the advantage of not quickly becom- 
ing rancid. 

CETACEUM. 

SPERMACETI. — [A peculiar, concrete, fatty substance, obtained from 
the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus Linne (class Mammalia; order 
Cetaced). Habitat. — Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

Characters. — White, somewhat translucent, slightly unctuous masses of 
a scaly-crystalline fracture and a pearly lustre ; odorless, and having a bland, 
mild taste. It becomes yellowish and rancid by exposure to air. Sp. gr., 
about 0.945. Solubility. — Insoluble in water, and nearly so in cold Alcohol ; 
also in Ether, Chloroform, Carbon Disulphide, fixed and volatile oils ; only 
slightly soluble in cold Benzin.] 

Composition. — It is mainly Cetylic Alcohol, C 16 H 33 OH, which in combi- 
nation with Pahnitic Acid, HC 16 H 31 2 , forms a fat, Cetin, C 16 H 33 C 16 H 31 2 . 

Preparations. 
[1. Ceratum Cetacei. — Spermaceti Cerate. Spermaceti, 100 ; 
White Wax, 350; Olive Oil, 550. 

2. Unguentum Aquae Rosae. — See Rose, p. 626.] 

[Uses of Spermaceti], 
Spermaceti is used as an emollient and as a basis for ointments 
and [cerates]. 

VITELLUS. 
YOLK OF EGG. — The yolk of the egg of Gallus Bankiva, var. 
domestica [Temminck (class Aves ; order Gallince). Habitat. — Java and 
Cochin China; domesticated. 



660 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Composition. — (i) Vitellin, 16 per cent. (2) Fat, 30 per cent. (3) 
Inorganic Salts, Cholesterin, Lecithin, and coloring matter. 

Preparation. 
Glyceritum Vitelli — See Glycerin, p. 577. 

Action and Therapeutics of Yolk of Egg. 
Yolk of egg is used to make emulsions and is nutritive and 

emollient. 

OVI ALBUMEN. 

EGG ALBUMEN.— [B. P., not official.]— The liquid white of egg of 
Gallus Bankiva, var. domestica. Habitat. — Java and Cochin China ; domesti- 
cated] . 

Action and Therapeutics of Egg Albumen. 
Egg albumen is an antidote to poisoning by corrosives and 
irritants, especially [corrosive mercuric chloride], copper sul- 
phate, lead salts and silver nitrate. Like the yolk it is nutritive 
and emollient. 



GROUP VI. 

Animal Coloring Agents. 
COCCUS. 

COCHINEAL. — Synonyms. — Cochineal Bug. Red Scale Insect. 
The dried female [of Coccus cacti Linne (class Insecta ; order Hemiptera). 
Habitat. — Mexico and Central America; upon Opuntia cochinillifera, Miller 
and other species. 

Characters — About 5 mm. long, of a purplish-gray or purplish-black 
color ; somewhat oblong and angular in outline ; flat or concave beneath ; 
convex above ; transversely wrinkled ; easily pulverizable, yielding a dark red 
powder; odor faint; taste slightly bitterish.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Carminic Acid, [C 17 H 18 
O 10 , 10 per cent. (2) Coccerin, a wax. (3) Fat, consisting of myristin, and 
fatty acids.] 

Cochineal is contained in Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. 

Uses of Cochineal. 
Cochineal is only used as a coloring agent. 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 661 

GROUP VII. 

Animal Drugs whose action is Mechanical. 

Suet, Curd Soap [Stearic Acid], Wool Fat, [Isinglass], Sugar of 
Milk, Wax, Gelatin, Cantharides, Ichthyol. 

SEVUM. 

SUET. — [Synonym. — Mutton Suet. The internal fat of the abdomen of 
Ovis Aries Linne (class Mammalia ; order Ruminanlia), purified by melting 
and straining. Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Characters. — A white, solid fat, nearly inodorous, and having a bland 
taste when fresh, but becoming rancid on prolonged exposure to the air. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water or cold Alcohol ; soluble in about 60 parts of 
Ether, and slowly in 2 parts of Benzin. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Stearin. (2) Palmitin. 
(3) Olein. (4) Hircin.] 

Suet is contained in Unguentum Hydrargyri. 

[Uses of Suet.] 
Suet is used chiefly in cerates. 






SAPO ANIMALIS. 

CURD SOAP [B. P., not official.] -Soap made from Soda and a puri- 
fied animal fat consisting principally of Stearin. It is chiefly Sodium Stearate. 

[Uses of Curd Soap.] 

Curd soap is used as a basis [for plasters, liniments, pills and 
suppositories. The Emplastrum Saponis, B. P., consists of curd 
soap, 10; lead plaster, 36; resin, 12. Emplastrum Saponis Fus- 
cum (brown soap plaster) is curd soap, 20 ; yellow wax, 25 ; 
olive oil, 40; lead oxide, 30; vinegar, 320. 

ACIDUM STEARICUM. 

STEARIC ACID.— HC 18 H 35 2 = 2 83.38. 

Source. — An organic acid, in its commercial, more or less impure form 
usually obtained from the more solid fats, chiefly tallow from the ox, Bos 
Taurus Linne ; (class Mammalia ; order Ruminantia}. Habitat. — Domesti- 
cated. By boiling with soda-lye, the Stearin is decomposed, Sodium Stearate 
being formed with the liberation of Glycerin. C 3 FI 5 (C 18 H 35 2 ) 3 -j- 3NaOH = 
The soap is decomposed by heating with water 



652 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

and Sulphuric Acid, setting free the fatty acids which are removed and- purified 
with hot Alcohol. On cooling, Stearic Acid will separate. 

Characters. — A hard, white, somewhat glossy solid, odorless and taste- 
less, and permanent in the air. Solubility. — Insoluble in water ; soluble in 
about 45 parts of Alcohol at 59 F. ; 15 C, readily soluble in boiling Alcohol, 
and in Ether. 

Uses of Stearic Acid. 

Stearic acid is used in the manufacture of glycerin supposi- 
tories. In combination with zinc and copper, as stearates of those 
metals, unofficial preparations have been introduced and used with 
success in the treatment of various diseases of the skin and mucous 

membranes.] 

ADEPS LANiE. 

WOOL FAT.— [B. P., not official.]— The purified cholesterin fat ob- 
tained as a bye-product in the dressing of sheep's wool. 

Source. — Sheep's wool, washed with cold water, then subjected to heat 
and pressure, yields impure wool fat. This is purified by melting, washing 
with alkali, and then washed with an acid while it is heated. 

Characters. — Semi-transparent, pale yellow, tenacious body. Ignited, 
it burns with a sooty flame. Melts between ioo° and 112° F. ; [37. 7 and 
44. 4 C] ; odor like sheep's wool. Solubility. — Freely in chloroform and in 
Ether, partially in Alcohol. Insoluble in water, but on vigorous stirring takes 
up 1% times its weight. 

ADEPS LAN^E HYDROSUS. 

-jaXJDRpUS WOOL-FAT.— Synonyms.— Lanolin. [CEsypum. The 
purified fat of the wool of sheep ( Ovis Aries Linne ; class Mammalia ; order 
Ruminantid), mixed with not more than 30 per cent, of water. Habitat. — 
Domesticated. 

Source. — Sheep's wool is treated with a weak soda solution, and the 
solution acidulated. The remaining wool is treated with Benzin, the liquid 
distilled, and the residue deprived of color by oxidizing agents, or sunlight. 

Characters. — A yellowish-white or nearly white, ointment-like mass, 
having a faint, peculiar odor. Solubility. — Insoluble in water, but miscible 
with twice its weight of the latter, without losing its ointment-like character. 

Composition. — Its chief constituents are — (1) Cholesterin, C 26 H 43 (OH). 
(2) Ethers of Stearic, Palmitic, Oleic, Valerianic and other acids.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Hydrous Wool-fat. 
Hydrous wool-fat when gently rubbed in the skin is more 
quickly absorbed than most fats, hence it is a useful basis if we 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 663 

wish to administer substances — as, for example, mercury — by 
inunction. [It is undoubtedly soothing to the skin, and often 
makes an excellent basis for ointments expected to act especially 
upon the skin. 

ICHTHYOCOLLA. 

ISINGLASS. — The swimming-bladder of Acipenser Huso Linne, and 
of other species of Acipenser (class Pisces ; order Sturiones). Habitat. — 
Caspian and Black Seas and tributary rivers. 

Characters. — In separate sheets, sometimes rolled, of a horny or pearly 
appearance; whitish or yellowish, semi-transparent, iridescent, inodorous, 
and insipid. Solubility. — Almost entirely soluble in boiling water and in boil- 
ing diluted Alcohol. A solution of Isinglass in 24 parts of boiling water forms, 
on cooling, a transparent jelly. 

Composition. — (i) Gelatin {Gluten), 98 per cent. (2) Insoluble mem- 
brane, about 2 per cent. 

Dose, freely. 

Preparation. 

Emplastrum IchthyocoUae. — Isinglass plaster. Synonym. — 
Court plaster. Isinglass, 10; Alcohol, 40 ; Glycerin, I; Hot Water 
sufficient for solution. To be applied with a brush upon taffeta, pre- 
viously coated on the back with Tincture of Benzoin. 

Uses of Isinglass. 

Isinglass is an emolient and nutritive substance, and is chiefly 
used externally as a protective. A better court plaster has gold- 
beaters' skin as a base.] 

SACCHARUM LACTIS. 

SUGAR OF MILK.— Synonym.— Lactose. C 12 H 22 O n [+H 2 0=359.i6. 
A peculiar, crystalline sugar, obtained from the whey of cow's milk by evapo- 
ration, and purified by recrystallization {Bos Taurus Linne ; class Mammalia ; 
order Ruminantia). Habitat. — Domesticated. 

Characters. — White, hard, crystalline masses, yielding a white powder 
feeling gritty on the tongue, odorless and having a faintly sweet taste. Per- 
manent in the air. Solubility. — In about 6 parts of water; insoluble in Al- 
cohol, Ether or Chloroform.] 

Sugar of milk is used in [Pulvis Ipecacuanhas et Opii, and Trituratio 
Elaterini. 

Dose, indefinite.] 






004 organic materia medica. 

[Uses of Sugar of Milk.] 

Sugar of milk is used in triturations of substances, because 
being very hard it thoroughly divides them, and as a vehicle. It 
is employed to sweeten infants' foods. [It is a non-nitrogenous, 
bland article of diet and has been used in consumption and other 
wasting diseases. According to See, it is a diuretic which may 
be employed to advantage in cardiac dropsy.] 

CERA. 

[CERA FLAVA. — Yellow Wax. A peculiar, concrete substance, pre- 
pared by Apis mellijica Linne (class Insecta ; order Bymenoptera). 

Characters. — A yellowish to brownish-yellow solid, having an agree- 
able, honey-like odor, and faint, balsamic taste. Sp. gr., 0.955 to 0.967. 
Solubility. — Insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in cold Alcohol. It is com- 
pletely soluble in Ether, Chloroform, and in fixed and volatile oils. 

Composition. — The principal constituents are — ( 1 ) Hydrocarbons (pro- 
bably C 27 H 56 and C 34 H 64 ) about 12 per cent. (2) Cerin or Cerotic Acid, 
C 27 H 54 2 . (3) Myricin or Myrical Palmitate, C 30 H 61 ,C 16 H 31 O 2 , the principal 
constituent. (4) An Alcohol, C 25 H 52 0, in small quantities. (5) Cerylic Alco- 
MC„H M 0. 

Yellow Wax is used in Ceratum Cantharidis, Ceratum Resinae, Unguen- 
tum, and Unguentum Picis Liquidae. 

CERA ALBA. — White Wax. Made by bleaching yellow wax by 
exposure to moisture, air and light. 

Characters. — A yellowish-white solid, somewhat translucent in thin 
layers, having a slightly rancid odor, and an insipid taste. Sp. gr., 0.965 to 

0-975- 

Composition. — As of yellow wax. 

White Wax is used in Ceratum, Ceratum Camphorse, Ceratum Cetacei 
and Unguentum Aquas Rosae.] 

Uses of Wax. 

Yellow and white wax are only used as bases for many plas- 
ters, [cerates] and ointments. 

GELATINUM. 

GELATIN.— [B. P., not official]. — The air-dried product of the action 

of boiling water on gelatinous tissues, as skin, tendons, ligaments, and bone. 
Characters. — In translucent sheets or shreds. The solution in hot 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 665 

water is colorless and inodorous ; it solidifies to a jelly on cooling. It is in- 
soluble in Alcohol and Ether. Its aqueous solution is precipitated by Tannic 
Acid.] 

Uses of Gelatin. 

Gelatin is useful as a basis for suppositories, pessaries, bougies 
capsules, lozenges, and as a coating for pills. 

CANTHARIS. 

CANTHARIDES.— [Synonyms.— Spanish Flies. Blister Beetles. The 

Cantharis vesicatoria De Geer (class Insecta ; order Coleoptera.) Habitat. — 
Southern and Central Europe, mainly on Oleaceae and Caprifoliacas. 

Characters. — About 25 mm. long and 6 mm. broad; flattish cylindrical, 
with filiform antennae, black in the upper part, and with long wing-cases and 
ample, membranous, transparent, brownish wings ; elsewhere of a shining, 
coppery green color. The powder is grayish-brown, and contains green 
shining particles. Odor strong and disagreeable ; taste slight, afterwards 
acrid.] 

Composition. — The chief constituents are — (1) Cantharidin, [C 10 H 12 O 4 ], 
0.4 to 1 per cent., the active principle, a crystallizable body forming colorless 
plates, soluble in Alcohol, Ether, Acetic Ether, Glacial Acetic Acid, Chloro- 
form, and oils. It is found especially in the generative apparatus, the eggs, 
and the blood. (2) A [volatile oil. (3) A green oil. (4) Various extractives 
and salts.] 

Preparations. 

[1. Ceratum Cantharidis. — Cantharides Cerate. Cantharides, 
320; Yellow Wax, 180; Resin, 180; Lard, 220; Oil of Turpentine, 

Cantharides Cerate is contained in Emplastrum Pic is Canthari- 
datum. See Burgundy Pitch, p. 494. 

2. Collodium Cantharidatum. See Pyroxylin, p. 633. 

3. Tinctura Cantharidis. — Tincture of Cantharides. Canthar- 
ides, 50; by percolation with Alcohol to 1000. 

Dose, 1 to 15 m. ; .06 to 1.00 c.c] 

Action of Cantharides. 
External. — Cantharides is a powerful irritant; but it is 
slower in its action than most [irritants]. If any of its prepara- 
tions are applied to the skin, no effect is noticed for two or three 
hours ; then a tingling, burning pain is perceived. Soon the part 
becomes red from vascular dilatation, the drug now producing its 
rubefacient effect. The next stage is the formation of several 



666 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

vesicles. These soon run together to form one large bleb full of 
clear serum. Not only is cantharides an irritant and vesicant, 
but it is a powerful counter-irritant, probably dilating by reflex 
action the vessels of the deep-seated organs under the point of 
application. 

Cantharidin can be absorbed by the skin in sufficient quantity 
to produce internal effects. 

Internal. — Cantharides is hardly used internally in medi- 
cine, as it is such a powerful irritant. 

Gastro-intestinal tract. — It produces severe gastrointesti- 
nal irritation, the patient suffering from abdominal pain, diar- 
rhoea and vomiting. There may be a burning pain in the throat ; 
the motions and vomited matters may contain blood. These 
symptoms naturally cause much general depression. 

Genito-urhiary tract. — The active principle is absorbed into 
the blood, and a few hours after the gastro intestinal symptoms 
have set in the patient complains of great pain in the loins and 
strangury — that is to say, there is an urgent desire to [urinate] ; 
the effort is very painful from vesical tenesmus, and the quantity 
of urine passed is very small; it may contain albumin and 
blood. 

Therapeutics of Cantharides. 

External. — Cantharides is very largely employed to raise a 
blister, and it is of all drugs the most commonly used counter- 
irritant. It is applied to the chest in pleurisy, over the pericar- 
dium in pericarditis, over the inflamed nerves in neuritis, over 
the mastoid process in disease of the ear, over joints with chronic 
effusion into them, over the stomach when there is gastric pain, 
vomiting, etc. Cantharides is the basis of many preparations the 
object of which is to stimulate the growth of hair. A blister 
applied over the nerve will often relieve pain in neuralgia. If a 
furthur counter-irritant effect is desired, the blister, which is 
usually pricked, may be irritated by the application of any irri- 
tating ointment. Unguentum Sabinse [B. P., fresh savine tops, 
8 ; yellow wax, 3 ; benzoinated lard, 16 ;] was formerly much used 
for this purpose. If the irritation produced by the cantharides 
itself is sufficient, a dressing of some bland ointment should be 



ANIMAL DRUGS WHOSE ACTION IS MECHANICAL. 667 

applied when vesication is complete. The cantharides prepara- 
tion should not be left on after the development of the bleb, lest 
the cantharidin should be absorbed. Cantharides should not be 
applied to a part on which the patient lies, for a bed-sore may 
form ; nor must it be used in renal disease ; and it should be 
carefully employed in children or debilitated persons. It ought 
not to be applied to paralyzed limbs. [The cuticle raised by a 
blister may be used for skin-grafting.] 

Internal. — The drug is rarely given internally, but it has 
been used with success in small doses in cases of chronic gleet. 
Sometimes, [but not often,] it relieves chordee. [Small doses are 
sometimes useful in the late stage of acute desquamative nephritis. 
It has been recommended for diabetes insipidus. Cantharidin, in 
the form of potassium cantharidinate ( T ^o gr. ; .0006 gin. hypo- 
dermatically) has been used as a remedy for pulmonary tubercu- 
losis, and for lupus. For all that cures of both of these diseases 
have been claimed, the value of this drug is by no means estab- 
lished.] 

Toxicology. 

[Symptoms. — ] In severe cases of poisoning there may be greatly increased 
sexual desire, numerous seminal emissions, violent priapism, with swelling and 
heat of the genital organs. In womm cantharides may cause abortion or in- 
duce menstruation. Pos -Mortem. — Intense gastro-intestinal inflammation is 
present, consequently swelling, ecchymoses, and hypersemia of the mucous 
membrane of the alimentary canal are observed. The kidneys are found to be 
very congested, and in the early stage of acute nephritis. There is also much 
inflammation of the genito-urinary mucous membrane. 

[ Treatment. — There is no chemical nor physiological antidote to Cantha- 
rides. The stomach should be emptied by emetics {see p. 132), or washed out 
by the stomach-pump. Mucilaginous and demulcent liquids should be freely 
given. Opium is indicated to relieve the pain and gastro-enteritis. ] 

ICHTHYOLUM. 

ICHTHYOL— [Not official.]— Synonym. — Ammonium Ichthyol Sul- 
phonate. 

Source. — A bituminous quartz containing the fossil remains of fish 
is distilled with [concentrated Sulphuric Acid, and the distillate is treated 
with a concentrated solution of Sodium Chloride, whereby the Sulphuric 
and Sulphurous Acids are removed. The distillate is then saturated with 
Ammonia. 



005 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

Characters. — A viscous, reddish-brown, syrupy liquid, having a bitu- 
minous odor and taste. Solubility. — Soluble in Water, Glycerin, Oils and Fats, 

Dose, 10 to 20 gr. ; .60 to 1.20 gm.] 

Lithium, Sodium, and Zinc Ichthyol Sulphonates are prepared. [The 
name Ichthyol is understood to refer to the Ammonium Salt.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Ichthyol. 
Ichthyol is an active reducing agent. It is chiefly used ex- 
ternally for chronic eczema and psoriasis. An ointment with 
lanolin and ichthyol 25 to 50 per cent, [is recommended by Von 
Nussbaum for the treatment of erysipelas. It has been used 
in the form of a suppository for chronic prostatitis. Ichthyol 
has been given as a pill for chronic rheumatism in dose from 
10 to 30 gr. ; .60 to 2.00 gm. Under the name of Thiol, a 
mixture of sulphuretted hydrocarbons has been used as a substi- 
tute of ichthyol, because it is less offensive. It has been applied 
as an ointment in vaseline, (1 to 8).] 

HIRUDO. 

THE LEECH.— [B. P., not official.] — Two species are employed; 
(1) Sanguisuga medicinalis, the speckled leech (belly greenish-yellow, spotted 
with black) ; (2) Sanguistiga officinalis, the green leech (belly olive-green, 
not spotted), (nat. ord., Annelida). 

Characters of both species. — Body soft, smooth, [5] or more [cm.] 
long, tapering to each end plano-convex, wrinkled transversely, back olive- 
green, with six rusty-red longitudinal stripes. Each leech has a muscular 
disc at each end. In the centre of the anterior one is a tiiradiate mouth, pro- 
vided with three saws and two rows of teeth. 

[The leech, although not a drug, is considered with this group for con- 
venience.] 

Action and Therapeutics of the Leech. 
Leeches are used to remove blood. They are usually applied 
over deep-seated organs when they are congested, and great relief 
is often afforded. For example, three or four leeches near the 
liver, when that organ is enlarged in heart disease, or one or two 
behind the ear, when the tympanic cavity is inflamed, frequently 
do good. The leech being applied to the skin, the animal 
fixes itself by its sucker-like disc, makes a triradiate cut with its 
mouth, and draws into its body, which consequently becomes 



THE ORGANIC EXTRACTS. 669 

swollen, about a drachm and a half [6. c.c] of blood. If this is 
not sufficient, a hot fomentation put on, after the animal is 
removed, may increase the quantity to half a fluid ounce; [15. 
c.c- J. The skin should be well washed with a little milk before 
the leech is applied. Occasionally the hemorrhage requires 
pressure, or some local styptic, as ferric chloride [or better stypic 
collodion], to stop it. If leeches have to be applied to the 
mouth, rectum, or uterus, leech glasses, which only allow the 
head to protrude, should be used. 



GROUP VIII. 

[The Organic Extracts. 

Thyroid, Suprarenal, and Brain Extracts, and Testicular Juice. 

None of these are official.] 

THYROID EXTRACT.— [Not official.] —A liquid glycerin extract 
is prepared of such a strength that 2 fl. dr. [8. c.c] contains the extractives 
of one sheep's thyroid. To form a powder this is heated with concentrated 
phosphoric acid and neutralized by being poured into lime water, and the pre- 
cipitate is dried at a temperature not exceeding 95 F. [35 C.] ; or the gland 
itself may be finely minced, dried in a current of air at 90 F. [32.2 C], 
and then powdered. The powdered gland may be given in cachets or tablets. 

Dose of the preparation employed should equal one-eighth to one-third 
of a sheep's thyroid. 

Action and Therapeutics of Thyroid Extract. 

It is known that human beings or monkeys whose thyroid is 
excised become myxcedematous, and that all sufferers from 
myxcedema have atrophied thyroid glands. If a preparation of 
sheep's thyroid is given to patients suffering from myxoedema, 
all the symptoms disappear usually in about six weeks. The 
effect is as striking as anything in medicine. It is best to begin 
with small doses thrice daily, to gradually increase them till full 
doses have been given, and when all symptoms have disappeared 
it will be necessary for a small dose to be taken three times a 
week to prevent recurrence. When the treatment was first intro- 
duced the glands were eaten, or transplanted under the skin, or 



670 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

the extract was administered subcutaneously ; but equally good 
results are obtained by giving the extract or the powder by the 
mouth. Sporadic cretinism is also marvellously benefited by thy- 
roid preparations, and improvement has occasionally followed 
their use in obesity. Chronic psoriasis, which has resisted all 
other treatment, often disappears if the patient be put to bed and 
take daily enough of thyroid preparations to keep him on the 
brink of poisoning by them, but unfortunately the disease often 
returns when the treatment is discontinued. 

Poisoning. — An overdose of a thyroid preparation causes a 
rapid pulse, headache, nausea, restlessness, and rarely delirium. 
These symptoms are termed " Thyroidism." Very large doses 
taken for a long time make the patient thin [and also produce- 
degeneration of the cardiac muscle so that permanent disability 
may result. Surgeons are especially liable to make this error.] 

SUPRARENAL EXTRACT [Not official] is prepared from the 
suprarenal capsules of the sheep, [ox and pig]. The active principle exists 
only in the medulla of the gland. It may be given in tablets. 

[Dose, 5 to 20 gr., .30 to 1.20 gm.] 

Action and Therapeutics of Suprarenal Extract. 

This has been shown experimentally [to increase the tone of 
all muscular tissue, mainly if not entirely by direct action (Oliver 
and Schafer), to constrict the small arteries through its action on 
the vasomotor centre (Szymonowicz and Cybulski), and to raise 
blood-pressure more than any other known substance.] It 
inhibits the heart through the vagus and produces a muscle 
curve like veratrine. [Tt may be used as a local vaso- con- 
strictor in minor surgery.] Some writers claim that it benefits 
Addison's disease, but others have failed to notice any improve- 
ment. ""■ 

[BRAIN EXTRACT.— (Not official.) The gray matter of a sheep's 
brain is sterilized, macerated in aseptic glycerin and filtered by the method of 
D'Arsonval, being sterilized under carbon dioxide gas of a pressure of thirty 
atmospheres. 

Dose, 15 m., 1.00 c.c. hypodermatically 



the antitoxins. 671 

Uses of Brain Extract. 
Paul has made use of this for the treatment of various nervous 
disorders and claims excellent, although not always constant, 
results. Febrile reaction, prostration, and in some cases cardiac 
weakness, has followed its administration. 

TESTICULAR JUICE (Not official) is prepared in the same way as 
brain extract. 

Dose, 10 to 20 m. ; .Go to 1.20 c.c, hypodermatically. 

Uses of Testicular Juice. 

Brown-Sequard believed that certain organs supply to the 
body a natural ferment which is essential to health. When this 
ferment is absent the vital forces degenerate. Under the use of 
this fluid the functions of organic life are performed with new 
vigor. Favorable reports of its use in many hundreds of patients 
suffering from organic nervous diseases are on record.] 

Extracts of many other organs, especially bone marrow and 
thymus, have been employed in medicine, but there is so little 
evidence that they are of any use that they need not be referred 
to here. 

GROUP IX. 

[The Antitoxins. 

Diphtheria, Streptococcus, and Tetanus Antitoxins, and Hydrophobia 

Antidote. 

None of these are official.] 

DIPHTHERIA ANTITOXIN. [Not official.]— When the bacillus 
of diphtheria grows in the body it produces toxins, albumoses, and an organic 
acid, and provokes the formation of a substance (called an antitoxin) which is 
found in the blood. This antitoxin is an antidote to the toxin of the diph- 
theria bacillus, and it is largely owing to the production of it that the patient 
is enabled to survive, and his chances of surviving are enhanced if antitoxin is 
administered to him to aid that which is formed in his body. 

Source. — Diphtheria bacilli are grown in a flask containing some 
nutrient broth {e.g., meat broth), to which 0.5 per cent, of sodium chloride and 
2 per cent, of commercial peptone have been added. At the end of some 



672 ORGANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 

weeks the bacilli are filtered off, and the fluid left contains a large amount of 
diphtheria toxin, and it should be of such strength that .01 c. c. [ij^ m.] of it 
will kill a good-sized guinea pig. From .02 to 1.0c c. c. [3 to 15 m.] of it is 
injected into a horse; this produces slight symptoms. As soon as they are 
past a larger dose is injected, and so the dose is gradually increased until 100 
c.c. [25 fl. dr.] or more are given at each injection. This leads to the formation 
of a large amount of antitoxin in the blood serum. At the end of some months 
the horse is bled to 8 liters [quarts] in a sterilized vessel, the blood coagulates, 
and the antitoxic serum is put into sterilized bottles and hermetically sealed, a 
little carbolic [acid] or other antiseptic being added to prevent decomposition. 

Mode of Administration, — The antitoxic serum is always injected subcu- 
taneously; usually between the shoulders or on the side of the abdomen. 
Before injection the skin must be thoroughly washed with an antiseptic. A 
special syringe, so constructed that all the parts of it can be boiled before use 
is employed. 

Dose. — It is better to give a small dose of a concentrated rather than a 
large dose of a dilute antitoxin. The strength of it is stated on the bottle. 
The quantity given should be such that from 2000 to 4000 normal units or even 
more are injected in the first twenty-four hours after the patient comes under 
treatment. This amount may be divided into two or three doses, but should be 
repeated daily until the patient begins to improve. A normal unit is "ten times 
the amount of antitoxic serum that is just capable of neutralizing ten times the 
fatal dose of toxin when the two are simultaneously injected into the subcuta- 
neous tissue of a healthy guinea pig. The serum should contain at least 100 
normal units in every cubic centimeter [15 m]. • 

Action and Therapeutics of Diphtheria Antitoxin. 

Antitoxin serum diminishes all the symptoms of diphtheria, 
and in particular it greatly lessens the liability to sudden heart 
failure. If the diphtheria toxin be administered to animals fatty 
degeneration of the heart is found after death, but if they have 
also had antitoxin this is absent. Both clinical and experimental 
evidence show that after antitoxin is given, although the bacilli 
continue to exist in the throat, the formation of membrane 
ceases and that which is present rapidly disappears, the patient 
becomes less anaemic, his pulse improves, and his temperature 
may fall a little, although this is less influenced by antitoxin than 
are the other symptoms of diphtheria. The maximum effect of 
the antitoxin is not seen until twenty-four hours after injection. 
All reliable collections of cases show that the mortality is much 



THE ANTITOXINS. 673 

less when the antitoxin is used. It should be given at the earliest 
possible moment, even if it is only likely that the patient is suffer- 
ing from diphtheria. 

Symptoms of poisoning are sometimes seen after this anti- 
toxin has been given, but they are unimportant. By far the most 
common is the erythematous rash ; it may appear as late as the 
end of the third week after injection, but it is usually seen at the 
end of the first week. In a few cases a second rash is observed 
after the first has faded. Usually it is a mere erythema, but it 
may be papular or urticarial. Pains in the joints and slight 
swelling of them are occasionally present [and finally somewhat 
rarely there has been observed an irregular temperature range and 
consecutively emaciation and death ; evidently pointing toward 
an acquired septicaemia. Further in a few cases an early fatal 
result has been reported. Browne and Benda both have shown 
that in a fatal issue, nephritis, in the majority of cases, is the 
cause of death, and clinically haemorrhagic nephritis is by no 
means rare. Inasmuch as this remedy militates solely against 
the infection of the Klebs-Loeffler bacillus and clinically most 
cases of diphtheria are cases of mixed infection, the usual local 
antiseptic and general supporting measures must not be omitted. 
The danger of antitoxin lies in the horse-serum, for many years 
before antitoxin was made the results of injection of an alien 
serum had been pointed out. Concentrated serums then should 
be preferred in that they give the largest amount of antitoxin 
with the smallest amount of serum. 

So far as prophylaxis is concerned, the question is still sub 
judice, many failures are reported, and indeed instances of rein- 
fection have occurred even after suitable doses of antitoxin have 
been used during a previous attack.] 

STREPTOCOCCUS ANTITOXIN.— (Not official.) This is pre- 
pared on the same principles as diphtheria antitoxin. The virulence of the 
streptococci is increased by their passage through several rabbits ; they are then 
grown on a medium which preserves their virulence. A horse is next treated 
with successive doses of cultures of these living streptococci, each more potent 
than the former. At the end of the year the strength of the antitoxic serum of 
the horse is powerful enough for use. This is always given subcutaneously and 
the dose varies with different specimens. 
43 



674 organic materia medica. 

Action and Therapeutics of Streptococcus Antitoxin. 

This suggests itself as probably useful for those diseases which 
are principally due to injection by streptococci. Such are surgi- 
cal septicaemia, disease of the middle ear, thrombosis of the 
lateral sinus, and puerperal septicaemia, and successful cases of 
its use in these diseases have been recorded. It has been tried 
in erysipelas, but at present it is undecided whether it is beneficial. 

TETANUS ANTITOXIN.— This is prepared on the same principles 
as diphtheria antitoxin and is administered in the same way. No marked suc- 
cess has attended its use, perhaps because tetanus is not usually [recognized] 
till long after infection. [Recent reports indicate that this antitoxin will soon 
take its place as a valuable and trustworthy remedy for this disease.] 

HYDROPHOBIA ANTIDOTE.— [Although this is not an anti- 
toxin it is conveniently considered here.] This is prepared by inoculating a 
rabbit from the spinal cord of an animal dead of hydrophobia, other rabbits 
are inoculated from this, and so through a series until the spinal cord (which 
is the chief seat of the virus in hydrophobia) contains a virus the incubation 
period of which is seven days. The spinal cord loses its virulence when ex- 
posed to the air, so that a series of spinal cords (each of which originally con- 
tained a virus the incubation period of which was seven days) can be pre- 
pared of greater or less virulence according to the time during which they 
have been exposed to the air. 

Uses of Hydrophobia Antidote. 
It is found that if a patient who has been bitten by a rabid 
dog is inoculated first with a rabbit's spinal cord of a low degree 
of virulence, and the next day with one of higher degree, and 
so on increasing the virulence of the injection, hydrophobia 
does not usually develop in him if the treatment is begun soon 
after the bite. [The reports of the use of this suggest that 
some of the deaths after treatment may be due to it rather than 
to the bite. Inasmuch as the incubation period of hydrophobia 
is so extremely variable, the pathological findings so inconstant 
and the symptoms so diverse, there is some reason for doubting 
the existence of the disease in man. At least the majority of 
alleged cases have been shown to have been those of various 
diseases. For this reason the antidote possesses but little interest 
save to those who are interested in spreading hydrophobia-phobia.] 



APPENDIX I. 

THE PHARMACOPCETAL VEGETABLE DRUGS ARRANGED 
ACCORDING TO THEIR NATURAL ORDERS. 



Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


[Ranunculacese 


Aconitum Napellus 


Tuber 


Aconite. 




Anemone Pulsatilla 


Herb 


Pulsatilla. 




" pratensis 


" 


" 




Delphinium. Staphisagria 


Seed 


Stavesacre. 




Cimicifuga racemosa 


Rhizome and roots 


Cimicifuga. 




Hydrastis canadensis 


" " " 


Hydrastis. 


Magnoliaceae 


Illicium verum 


Fruit 


Star-anise. 


Menispermaceae. .. 


Jateorrhiza p^lmata 


Root 


Calumba. 




Chondodendron tomentosum 


** 


Pareira. 




Menispermum canadense 


Rhizome and 


Canadian Moon- 






roots 


seed. 




Anamirta paniculata 


Neutral principle 
from seed 


Picrotoxin. 


Berberideae 


Caulophyllum thalictroides 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Blue Cohosh. 




Podophyllum peltatum 


Rhizome and 
roots 


May apple. 


Papaveracese 


Papaver somniferum 


Exudation from 
capsules 


Opium. 




Chelidonium majus 


Plant 


Celandine. 




Sanguinaria canadensis 


Rhizome 


Bloodroot. 


Cruciferae 


Brassica alba 


Seed 


White mustard. 




" nigra 


" 


Black mustard. 


Polygaleas 


Polygala Senega 


Root 


Senega. 




Krameria triandra 


" 


Rhatany. 




" Ixina 


" 


" 


Guttiferae 


Garcinia Hanburii 


Gum-resin 


Gamboge. 


Ternstrcemiaceae.. 


Thea sinensis 


Proximate princi- 
ple from leaves 


Caffeine. 








Malvaceae 


Gossypium herbaceum 


Hairs of seed 
Bark of root 


Purified Cotton. 
Cotton root bark. 






« « 


Oil from seed 


Cotton seed oil. 




Althaea officinalis 


Root 


Marshmallow 


Sterculiaceae 


Theobroma Cacao 


Oil from seed 


Oil of theobroma. 


Lineae 


Linum usitatissimum 
Erythroxylon Coca 


Seed and oil 
Leaves 


Linseed. 
Coca. 




Zygophylleae 


Guaiacum officinale 


Heart wood 


Guaiacum wood. 




" " 


Resin 


Guaiac. 




" sanctum 


Wood 


Guaiacum wood. 


Geraniaceae 


Geranium maculatum 


Rhizome 


Cranesbill. 


Rutaceae 


Xantholylum americanum 

" Clava-Herculis 


Bark 


Prickly ash. 




Citrus vulgaris 


Rind of fruit 


Bitt "orange peel 




" Aurantium 


" " 


Sweet " " 




" Limonum 


" " 


Lemon peel. 




K a 


Juice " 


" juice. 




" Bergamia 


"Oil from rind of 

fruit 
Leaves 


Oil of bergamot. 




Barosma betulina 


Buchu. 




" crenulata 


" 


" 




Pilocarpus Selloanus 


Leaflets 


Jaborandi. 




" Jaborandi 


" 


" 


Simarubeae 


Picrena excelsa 
Commiphora Myrrha 
Euonymus atropurpureus 


Wood 
Gum-resin 


Quassia. 

Myrrh. 

Euonymus. 


Burseraceae 


Celastrineae 


Bark of root 



675 



676 



APPENDIX. 



Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


Rhamneae 


Rhamnus Frangula 
" Purshiana 


Bark 


Frangula. 
Cascara Sagrada. 






Vitaceae 


Vitis Viniiera 


From juice of fruit 


White Wine. 
Red 




Sapindaceae 


Paullinia Cupana 
Pistacia Lentiscus 


Seeds 


Guarana. 


Anacardiese 


Resinous exuda- 


Mastic. 




Rhus glabra 


tion 

Fruit 


Rhus glabra. 




" radicans 


Leaves 


Poison Ivy. 


Leguminosse 


Astragalus gummifer 


Gummy exuda- 
tion 
Gum from stem 


Tragacanth. 




Acacia Senegal 


Gum Arabic. 




Glycyrrhiza glabra and var. 


Root 


Liquorice. 




glandulifera 








Cystisus Scoparius 


Tops 


Broom. 




Pterocarpus santalinus 


Wood. 


Red Saunders. 




" Mar-supium 


Inspissated juice 


Kino. 




Toluifera Pereirse 


Balsam 


Balsam of Peru. 




" . Balsamum 


" 


Balsam of Tolu. 




Physostigma venenosum 


Seed 


Calabar bean. 




Andira Araroba 


Neutral principle. 


Chrysarobin. 




Cassia acutifolia 


Leaflets 


Senna. 




" angustifolia 


" 


" 




" Fistula 


Fruit 


Purging Cassia. 




Hsematoxylon campechianum 


Wood 


Logwood. 




Tamarindus indica 


Pulp of fruit 


Tamarind. 




Acacia Catechu 


Extract from 
wood 


Catechu 




Copaiba Langsdorffii 


Oleoresin 


Copaiba. 


Rosacea 


Rosa gallica 
'• centifolia 


Petals 


Red rose. 
Pale " 






" damascena 


Oil from flowers 


Oil of rose. 




Rubus villosus 


Bark of root 


Blackberry. 




" canadensis 


« a 


" 




" trivialis 


u a 


" 




" idaeus 


Fruit 


Raspberry. 




Prunus Amygdalus var. dulcis 


Seed 


Sweet almond. 




" " " amara 


" 


Bitter 




Hagenia abyssinia 


Female inflores- 
cence 


Kousso. 




Prunus domestica 


Fruit 


Prune. 




" serotina 


Bark 


Wild Cherry. 




Quillaja Saponaria 


" 


Soap bark. 


Hamamelacess. ... 


Liquidambar orienlalis 


Balsam from bark 


Storax. 




Hamamelis virginiana 


Leaves 


Hamamelis. 


Myrtaceas. .. 


Eugenia aromatica 
Myrcia acris 


Unexpanded flow- 
ers 
Oil from leaves 


Cloves. 




Oil of Bay. 




Pimenta officinalis 


Fruit 


Allspice. 




Melaleuca Leucadendron 


Oil from leaves 


Oil of Cajuput. 




Eucalyptus globulus 


Leaves 


Eucalyptus. 




" oleosa 


Oil. from leaves 


Oil of Eucalyptus. 


Lythrarieae 


Punica Granatum 


Bark of stem and 

root 


Pomegranate. 


Cucurbitaceas 


Citrullus Colocynthis 


Fruit 


Colocynth. 




Bryonia alba 

" dioica 
Cucurbita Pepo 


Root 


Bryonia. 




Seed 


Pumpkin seed. 




Ecballium Elaterium 


Juice of Fruit 


Elaterium. 


Umbelliferae 


Conium maculatum 


Fruit 


Hemlock. 




Pimpinella Anisura 


" 


Anise. 




Carum Ajowan 


Phenol from oil 


Thymol. 




Ferula foetida 


Gum-resin from 
root 


Asafetida. 




Ferula Sumbul 


Root 


Sumbul. 




Dorema Ammoniacura 


Gum-resin 


Ammoniac. 



APPENDIX. 



677 



Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


Umbelliferae 


Coriandrum sativum 


Fruit 


Coriander. 




Foeniculum capillaceum 


" 


Fennel. 




Carum Carvi 


" 


Caraway. 


Caprifoliaceae 


Sambucus canadensis 


Flowers 


Elder. 




Viburnum prunifohum 


Bark 


Black Haw. 




" Opulus 


" 


Cramp Bark. 


Rubiaceae 


Coffea arabica 


Proximate princi- 


Caffeine. 






ple from seeds 






Cinchona officinalis 


Bark 


Cinchona bark. 




" Calisaya 


'« 


n n 




" succirubra 


«« 


Red cinchona. 




Cephaelis Ipecacuanha 


Root 


Ipecac. 


Valerianeae 


Valeriana officinalis 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Valerian. 


Compositae 


Anacyclus Pyrethrum 
Eupatorium perfoliatum 


Root 


Pellitory. 
Thoroughwort. 




Leaves and flow- 






ering tops 






Artemisia pauciflora 


-Flower-heads 


Santonica. 




Calendula officinalis 


Florets 


Marigold 




Anthemis nobilis 


Flower-heads 


Chamomile. 




Grindelia robusta 


Leaves and flow- 
ering tops 


Grindelia. 




" squarrosa 


Leaves and flow- 
ering tops 






Matricaria Chamomilla 


Flower-heads 


German Chamo- 
mile 




Tanacetum vulgare 


Leaves and tops 


Tansy. 




Artemisia Absinthium 


" " 


Wormwood. 




Taraxacum officinale 


Root 


Dandelion, 




Inula Helenium 


" 


Elecampane. 




Arnica montana 


Flower-heads 


Arnica flowers. 




" 


Rhizome and 


" root. 






roots 






Lactuca virosa 


Milk juice 


Lactucarium. 




Erigeron canadense 


Oil from herb 


Oil of Fleabane. 




Arciium Lappa 


Root 


Burdock. 


Lobeliacese 


Lobelia inflata 


Leaves and tops 


Lobelia. 


Ericaceae 


Arctostaphyios Uva-ursi 


Leaves 


Uva ursi. 




Chimapbila umbellata 


" 


Pipsissewa. 




Gaultheria procumbens 


Oil from leaves 


Oilofwintergreen. 


Styraceas 


Sty rax Benzoin 
Olea europaea 
Fraxinus Ornus 


Balsamic Resin 
Oil from fruit 
Exudation 


Benzoin. 
Olive oil. 
Manna. 


Oleaceas 




Apocynaceae 


Apocynum cannabinum 
Aspidosperma Quebracho- 


Root 


Canadian Hemp. 




Bark 


Quebracho. 




bianco 








Strophantus hispidus 


Seed 


Strophanthus. 


Asclepiadeae 


Asclepias tuberosa 


Root 


Pleurisy Root. 


Loganiaceae 


Strychnos Nux-vomica 


Seed 


Nux vomica. 




Spigelia marilandica 


Rhizome & roots 


Pink root. 




Gelsemium sempervirens 


" " 


Gelsemium. 


Gentianeae 


Gentiana lutea 


Root 


Gentian. 




Swertia Chirata 


Plant 


Chirata. 


Hydrophyllaceae.. 


Eriodictyon glutinosum 


Leaves 


Eriodictyon. 


Convolvulaceae. .. 


Convolvulus Scammonia 


Resinous exuda- 
tion 
Tuberous root 


Scammony 




Ipomcea Jalapa 


Jalap. 


Solanaceae 


Capsicum fastigiatum 


Fruit 


Capsicum. 




Atropa Belladonna 


Root and leaves 


Belladonna. 




Datura Stramonium 


Seed and leaves ' 


Stramonium. 




Hyoscyamus niger 


Leaves and flow- 
ering tops 


Henbane. 




Solanum Dulcamara 


Branches 


Bittersweet 




Nicotiana Tabacum 


Leaves 


Tobacco. 



678 


APPENDIX. 




Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


Scrophularineae... 


Digitalis purpurea 


Leaves 


Digitalis. 




Veronica virginica 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Culver's Root. 


Pedalacaee 


Sesamum indicum 
Rosmarinus officinalis 


Oil from seed 
Oil from leaves 


Benne oil. 

Oil of rosemary. 

Sage. 


Labiatse 




Salvia officinalis 


Leaves 




Scutellaria lateriflora 


Herb 


Scullcap. 




Lavandula officinalis 


Oil of flowers 


Oil of lavender. 




Hedeoma pulegioides 


Leaves and tops 


Pennyroyal. 




Mentha piperita 


" " 


Peppermint. 




" viridis 


" " 


Spearmint. 




" arvensis 


Stereopten 


Menthol. 




" canadensis 


" 


" 




Melissa officinalis 


Leaves and tops 


Balm. 




Monarda punctata 


Phenol from oil 


Thymol. 




Thymus vulgaris 


" " 


" 




" " 


Oil from leav?s and 


Oil of thyme. 






flowering tops 






Marrubium vulgare 


Leaves and tops 


Horehound. 


Chenopodiaceae. .. 


Chenopodium ambrosioides 


Fruit 


American Worm- 




var. anthelminticum 




seed. 




Beta vulgaris 


From cane 


Sugar. 


Phytolaccacese. ... 


Phytolacca decandra 


Root 


Poke Root. 




it n 


Fruit 


" Berry. 


Polygonaceae 


Rheum officinale 


Root 


Rhubarb. 




Rumex crispus 


'• 


Yellow Dock 


Aristolochiaceae .. . 


Aristolochia Serpentaria 
" reticulata 


Rhizome and roots 


Serpentaria. 


Piperaceae 


Piper nigrum 
Piper Cubeba 


Fruit 


Black pepper. 
Cubeb. 








Piper angastifolium 


Leaves 


Matico. 


Laurineae 


Cinnamomum — sp. indeter. 


Bark of shoots 


ChineseCinnamon 




" " 


Bark 


Saigon " 




" zeylanicum 


Bark of -shoots 


Ceylon " 




Camphora 


Stearopten 


Camphor. 




Sassafras variifolium 


Bark of root 


Sassafras. 




" " 


Pith 


Pith. 


Thy melaeaceae 


Daphne Mezereum 


Bark 


Mezereum. 


Santalaceae 


Santalum album 
Croton Eleuteria 


Oil from wood 
Bark 


Oil of Santal. 
Cascarilla. 


Euphorbiaceas 




" Tiglium 


Oil from seed 


Croton oil. 




Ricinus communis 


'.' 


Castor oil. 




Hevea — sp. indeter. 


Milk-juice 


India rubber. 




Stillingia sylvatica 


Root 


Queen's root. 
Kamala. 




Mallotus philippinensis 


Glands and hairs 






from capsules 




Urticaceae , 


Humulus Lupulus 
Ficus Carica 


Strobiles 
Fleshy receptacle 


Hops. 
Fig. 






Ulmus fulva 


Inner bark 


Slippery Elm. 




Cannabis sativa 


Flowering tops 


Indian cannabis. 


Juglandaceae 


Juglans cinerea 


Bark of root 


Butternut. 


Cupuliferse 


Quercus alba 

" lusitanica 


Bark 


White oak. 




Parasitic excres- 


Nutgall. 






cences 






Castanea dentata 


Leaves 


Chestnut. 




Fagus sylvatica 


Wood-tar 


Creosote. 


Betulaceae 


Betula lenta 


Oil from bark 


Volatile oil of 
Betula. 




Salicaceae 


Salix sp. indet. 
Populus sp. indet. 


Neutral principle 


Salicin. 


Coniferse.... 


Abies balsamea 


Oleoresin from 
bark 


Canada balsam. 




Abies excelsa 


Resinous exuda- 
tion 


Burgundy pitch 




Pinus palustris 


Oleoresin from 
wood 


Tar. 



APPENDIX. 



679 



Nat. Order. 


Name of Plant. 


Part of Plant. 


Name of Drug. 


Coniferae 


Pinus palustris 


Oleoresin 


Turpentine. 




Juniperus communis 


Oil from fruit 


Oil of juniper. 




" Sabina 


Tops 


Savine. 




" Oxycedrus 


Distillation of 
wood 


Oil of cade. 


Orchidese 


Cypripedium pubescens 
" parviflorum 


Rhizome & roots 


Ladies' slipper. 








Vanilla planifolia 


Fruit 


Vanilla. 


Scitaminese 


Elettaria repens 


«< 


Cardamom. 




Zingiber officinale 


Rhizome 


Ginger. 


Irideae 


Crocus sativus 


Stigmas 


Saffron. 




Iris versicolor 


Rhizome and roots 


Bluefiag. 


Liliaceae 


Allium sativum 
Colchicum autumnale 


Bulb 
Corm' 


Garlic. 
Colchicum root. 






" " 


Seed 


" seed. 




Convallaria majalis 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Convallaria. 




Smilax officinalis 


Root 


Sarsaparilla. 




" medica 


" 


" 




" papyracea 


" 


" 




Asagraea officinalis 


Alkaloids from 
seed 


Veratrine 




Veratrum viride 


Rhizome and 
roots 


Veratrum Viride 




Urginea maritima 


Bulb 


Squill. 




Aloe Perryi 


Juice of leaves 


Socatrine Aloes. 




" vera 


" 


Barbadoes " 


Aroideae 


Acorus Calamus 


Rhizome 


Sweet Flag. 


Gramineae 


Agropyrum repens 


" 


Couch-grass. 




Zea Mays 


Styles and stig- 


Corn-silk. 




« 


Fecula of seed 


Starch. 




Hordeum distichum 


Seed 


Pearl barley. 




Saccharum officinarum 


From cane 


Sugar. 


Lycopodiaceae. ... 


Lycopodium clavatum 


Spores 


Lycopodium. 


Filices 


Dryopteris Filix-mas 
" marginalis 


Rhizome 


Male fern. 




Fungi 


Claviceps purpurea 


Sclerotium 


Ergot. 

Iceland Moss. 
Irish Moss. 


Lichenes.. 


Cetraria islandica 
Chondrus crispus 
Gigartina mamillosa 


Thallus 
Plant 


Algae 






] 



APPENDIX II. 

[THE PHARMACOPCEIAL ANIMAL DRUGS ARRANGED 
ACCORDING TO THEIR NATURAL ORDERS. 



VERTEBRATA. 


CLASS. 


NAT. ORDER. 


name of animal. 


PART OF ANIMAL. 


NAME OF DRUG. 


Mammalia 


Runinantia 


Moschus moschiferus 


Dried secretion from 
preputial follicles 


Musk. 






Ovis Aries 


Internal fat of abdo- 
men 

Purified fat of wool 


Suet. 

Hydrous wool 
fat. 






Bos Taurus 


Sugar from whey of 
cow's milk 

Fresh bile 

Organic acid from 
tallow 


Sugar of Milk. 

Ox Gall. 
Stearic Acid. 




Pachydermata 


Sus scrofa 


Internal fat of the ab 
domen 

Ferment from glandu- 
lar layer of stom- 
ach 

Enzymes from pan- 
creas 


Lard. 
Pepsin. 

Pancreatin. 




Cetacea 


Physeter macrocephalus 


Fatty substance 


Spermaceti. 


Aves 


Gallinse 


Gallus Bankiva, 
var. domestica 


From the egg 


Yolk of Egg. 


Pisces 


Sturiones 


Ascipenser Huso 


Swimming bladder 


Isinglass. 




Teleostia 


Gadus Morrhua 


Oil from fresh liver 


Cod Liver Oil 


INVERTEBRATA. 


Insecta 


Hymenoptera 


Apis mellifica 


Secretion from the 
honeycomb 

Concrete substance 


Honey. 
Yellow Wax. 




Hemiptera 


Coccus cacti 


Dried female insect 


Cochineal. 




Coleoptera 


Cantharis vesicatoria 


The insect 


Cantharides.] 



680 



APPENDIX III. 

A LIST OF LATIN PHRASES COMMONLY USED IN 
THE WRITING OF PRESCRIPTIONS. 






aa. 


Ana 


of each. 


Ad. 


Adde 


add. 


[Adhib. 


Adhibendus 


to be administered. 


Admov. 


Admove 


apply. 


Ad lib. 


Ad libitum 


to the desired amount.] 


Ad sat. 


Ad saturandum 


to saturation. 


Ad us. 


Ad usum 


according to custom. 


Mq. 


./Equales 


equal. 


[Agit. 


Agitetur 


let it be shaken. 


Alt, hor. 


Alternis horis 


every other hour. 


Ampul. 


Ampulla 


a iarge bottle.] 


Aq. 


Aqua 


water. 


Aq. bull. 


Aqua bulliens 


boiling water. 


Aq. dest. 


Aqua destillata 


distilled water. 


[Aq. ferv. 


Aqua fervens 


hot water. 


Aq. fluv. 


Aqua fluviatUis 


river water. 


Aq. font. 


Aqua fontis 


spring water. 


Aq. pluv. 


Aqua pluvialis 


rain water. 


Bene 


Bene 


well.] 


Bib. 


Bibe 


drink. 


Bis ind. 


Bis indies 


twice a day. 


Bis in 7 d. 


Bis in septem diebus 


twice a week. 


[Bol. 
Bull. 


Bolus 


a large pill. 


Bulliat 


let it boil.] 


C. 


Cum 


with. 


Calef. 


Calefactus 


warmed. 


Cap. 


Capiat 


let him take 


[Cap. 


Capsula 


a capsule. 


Chart. 


Charta 


a paper. 


Chartul. 


Chartula 


a small paper. 


Cib. 


Cibus 


food. 


Cito disp: 


Cito dispensetur 


let it be dispensed quickly.] 


C. m. 


Cras mane 


to-morrow morning. 


C. m. s. 


Cras mane sumendus 


to be taken to-morrow mornin< 


C.n. 


Cras nocte 


to-morrow night. 


Cochl. 


Cochleare 


a spoonful. 


Cochl. ampl. 


Cochleare amplum 


a table-spoonful. 


Cochl. infant. 


Cochleare infantis 


a teaspoonful. 


Cochl. mag. 


Cochleare magnum 


a table-spoonful. 


Cochl. mod. 


Cochleare modicum 


a dessert-spoonful. 


Cochl. parv. 


Cochleare parvum 


a teaspoonful. 


[Col. 
Collun. 


Cola 


strain. 


Collunarium 


a nasal wash. 


Collut. 


Collutorium 


a mouth wash. 


Collyr. 


Collyrium 


an eye wash. 


Cont. 


Contere 


rub together.] 


Contin. 


Continueter 


let it be continued. 


Cras. 


Cras 


to-morrow 


Cuj. 


Cuj us 


of which. 


C. v. 


Cras vespere 


to-morrow evening. 


Cyath. 


Cyathus 


a glassful. 


Cyath. vinos. 


Cyathus vinosus 


a wine glassful. 


g.-d. 


Da 


give. 


Dosis 


a dose. 


[Deaur. 


Deaurentur 


let (the pills) be gilded. 


Dec. 


Decanta 


decant.] 

681 



6S2 



APPENDIX. 



D. d. in d. 

Det. 

Dieb. alt. 

Dim. 

Div. 

D. in p. se. 

Exhib. 

F. or ft. 

F.h. 

F. m. 

F. pil. 

[Form. 

F. s. a. 

Garg. 

Gtt. 

Habt. 

[Hor. decub. 

Hor. intermed. 

H. s. 

[111. 

Imp. 

Ind. 

[Instar 

Involv. gelat. 

Lat. dol. 

[Len. 

Len. ter. 

Mane 

Mane primo 

Mic. pan. 

Mit. 

[Mode diet. 

Mod. prsescript. 

g^on repetat. 
. m. 
Omn. bih. 
Omn. hor. 
O.n. 
P.orpt. 
Part. seq. 
[Penicil. cam. 
Pil. 
P. r n. 

e. hor - 
P- . 

[Red. in pulv. 

Rep. 

[Sat. 

Semel 

Semi h. 

Sesq. h. 

Sic. 

Sin. 

Sing. 

[Si op. sit. 

Sum 

T. d. 

[Ter. 

Ter. bene. 

Trit. 

Utere. 

Vehic. 

Ver. 

Vesp. 



De die in diem 

Detur 

Diebus alternis 

Dimidius 

Divide 

Divide in parts aequales 

Exhibiatur 

Fiat 

Fiat haustus 

Fiat mistura 

Fiat pilula 

Formula 

Fac secundum artem 

Gargarysma 

Gutta or guttae 

Habeat 

Hora decubitus 

Horis intermediis 

Hora somni 

Illico 

Impone 

Indies 

Instar 

Involve gelatino 

Lateri dolenti 

Lenitur 

Lenitur terendo 

Mane 

Mane primo 

Mica panis 

Mitte 

Mode dictu 

Modo praescripto 

Non repetatur 

Omni mane 

Omni bihora. 

Omni hora 

Omni nocte 

l'erstetur 

Partes eequales 

Penicillum camelinum 

Pilula 

Pro re nata 

Quaqua hora 

Quantum libet 

Quantum sufficit 

Quantum volueris 

Recipe 

Redactus in pulverem 

Repetatur 

Satis 

Semel 

Semi hora 

Sesqui hora 

Sicetur 

Sine 

Singulorum 

Si opus sit 

Sumat or sumendum 

Ter in die 

Tere 

Tere bene 

Trituretur 

Utere 

Vehiculum 

Ver us 

Vesper 



from day to day. 

let it be given. 

on alternate days. 

one-half. 

divide. 

divide into equal parts„ 

let it be given. 

let it be made. 

make a draught. 

make a mixture. 

make a pill. 

a prescription. 

make according to art. 

a gargle.] 

drop or drops. 

let him have. 

at bed time. 

at intermediate hours. 

at bedtime. 

immediately. 

apply.] 

daily. 

the size of. 

coat with gelatin.] 

to the painful side. 

easily. 

by rubbing gently. 

in the morning. 

early in the morning. 

bread crumb.] 

send. 

in the manner directed.] 

in the manner prescribed, 

let it not be repeated.] 

every morning. 

every two hours. 

every hour. 

every night. 

continue. 

equal parts. 

a camel's hair pencil. 

a r 1L] • A 

when required. 

every hour.] 

as much as is requisite. 

a sufficient quantity. 

at will. 

take. 

reduced to powder.] 

let it be repeated. 

sufficient. 

once. 

half an hour. 

an hour and a half. 

let it be dried. 

without.] 

of each. 

if necessary.] 

let him take or let it be taken t 

three times a day. 

Rub. 

Rub well. 

let it be triturated. 

make use of. 

menstruum. 

genuine. 

the evening.] 






INDEX 



[In all Latin titles of more than one syllable, the accented syllable is distin- 
guished by the sign ' placed after the corresponding vowel. 






ABBREVIATIONS, 43, 

44,681. 
Absinthe, 525. 
Absinthic acid, 525. 
Absinthin, 525. 
Absin'thium, 525. 
Absinthol, 525. 
Abstra'cta, 35. 
Abstracts, 35. 
Absolute alcohol, 262. 
Absorbent cotton, 632. 
Aca'cia, 582. 
Accelerating centre, drugs 

acting on, 56. 
Ace'ta, 19. 
Acetanilid, 299. 
Acetanili'dum, 299. 
Acetylparamidophenol 

salicylate, 452. 
Acetic acid, 249. 
glacial, 249. 

— ether, 283. 
Ace'tum o'pii, 328. 

— sci'llae, 406. 
Acid, acetic, 249. 
diluted, 249. 

— — glacial, 249. 

— arsenous, 211. 
solution, 212. 

— benzoic, 621. 

— boracic, 256. 

— boric, 256. 

— camphoric, 614. 

— carbolic, 307 

crude, 307. 

ointment, 307. 

— citric, 249. 



Acid, citric, syrup of, 250. 

— chromic, 221. 

— chrysophanic, 461, 465. 

— digallic, 562. 

— gallic, 565. 

— gallotannic, 562. 

— hydriodic, syrup, 232. 

— hydrobromic, diluted, 241, 

— hydrochloric, 248. 

— hydrocyanic, diluted, 127. 

— hypophosphorous, diluted, 

226. 

— lactic, 250. 

— meconic, 326, 329 

— muriatic, 248. 

— nitric, 247. 

— — diluted, 247. 

— nitrohydrochloric, 247. 

— nitromuriatic, 247. 

— oleic, 578. 

— phenic, 307. 

— phosphoric, 248. 
diluted, 248. 

— prussic, 127. 

— pyrogallic, 565. 

— salicylic, 445. 

— stearic, 661. 

— sulphuric, 246. 

diluted, 247. 

aromatic, 247. 

— sulphurous, 255. 

— tannic, 562. 

ointment, 562. 

troches, 562. 

— tartaric, 250. 
Acids, 246. 

A'cidum ace'ticum, 249. 



A'cidum ace'ticum dilu'tum 

249. 
gla'ciale, 249. 

— arseno'sum, 211. 

— benzo'icum, 621. 

— bo'ricum, 256. 

— campho'ricum, 614. 

— carbo'licum, 307. 
cru'dum, 307. 

— chro'micum, 221. 

— ci'tricum, 249. 

— ga'llicum, 565. 

— hydrobro'micum dilu'tum, 

241. 

— hydrochlo'ricum, 248. 
dilu'tum, 248. 

— hydrocya'nicum dilu'tum, 

127. 

— hypophospho'rosum dilu'- 

tum, 226. 

— la'cticum, 250. 

— meco'nicum, 329. 

— ni'tricum, 247. 
dilu'tum, 247. 

— nitrohydrochlo'ricum, 247. 
dilu'tum, 247. 

— ole'icum, 578. 

— phospho'ricum, 248. 
dilu'tum, 248. 

— salicy'licum, 445 

— stea'ricum, 661. 

— sulphu'ricum, 246. 

dilu'tum, 247. 

aroma'ticum, 247. 

— sulphuro'sum, 255. 

— ta'nnicum, 562. 

— tarta'ricum, 250. 

683 



684 



INDEX. 



Aconine, 410. 

Aconite, 410. 

Aconiti'na, 411. 

Aconitine, 411. 

Aconi'tum, 410. 

Acorin, 552. 

Acrinyl sulphocyanide, 496. 

Actions, pharmacological, 45. 

— therapeutical, 45. 

— cumulative, 39. 
A'deps, 658. 

— benzoina'tus, 659. 

— la'nae, 662. 

hydro'sus, 662. 

Adhesive plaster, 495. 
A'djuvans, 40. 

Administration of drugs, 37. 
Adonidin, 409. 
Adonidi'num, 409. 
iEsculap, 89, 137. 
iE'ther, 280. 

— ace'ticus, 283. 

— broma'tus, 283. 
./E'thyl bro'midum, 283. 
African pepper, 513. 
Air, 71. 
Aix-les-Bains, 245. 

— la-Chapelle, 245. 
Alantin, 430. 
Albumen, Egg, 660. 
A'lcohol, 262. 

— absolute, 262. 

— absolu'tum, 262. 

— amylic, 272. 

— amy'licum, 272. 

— deodora'tum, 263. 

— diluted, 262. 

— dilu'tum, 262. 

— deodorized, 263. 

— ethyl, 262. 

— ethylic, 262. 

— ethy'licum, 264. 

— phenyl, 307. 

— tertiary amyl, 295. 
Aldehyde, ethylic, 277. 

— formic, 322. 
Ale, 264. 
Alkaline earths, 147. 

— metals, 116. 
Alkaloids, 12. 
A'llium, 427 
Allyl oxide, 427. 

— sulphide, 427. 

— sulphocyanide, 497. 



Allspice, 508. 

— oil of, 508. 
Almond, bitter, 580. 

— Jordan, 581. 

— sweet, 581. 
A'loe, 468. 

— barbaden'sis, 468. 

— curacoa, 468. 

— purifica'ta, 469. 

— socatri'na, 468. 
Aloes, Zanzibar, 470. 
Aloin, 470. 
Aloi'num, 470. 
Alterative, no. 
Althae'a, 579. 
Alum, 157. 

— ammonio ferric, 183. 

— burnt, 158. 

— dried, 158. 

— potassium, 157. 
Alu'men, 157. 

— exsicca'tum, 158. 

— u'stum, 158. 
Alu'mina, hydrated 158 
Alu'mini hy'dras, 158. 

— su'lphas, 158. 
Aluminum, 157. 

— acetate, 158. 

— hydroxide, 158. 

— naphtol sulphonate, 159. 

— and potassium sulphate, 

157. 

— sulphate, 158. 
Alumnol, 159. 
Amaroids, 12. 
American hellebore, 414. 

— wormseed, 595. 
Ammonia, aromatic spirit of, 

143- 

— bakers', 143. 

— liniment, 142. 

— spirit of, 141. 

— water, 14.1. 
Ammoniac, 532. 

— emulsion, 533. 

— plaster, with mercury, 199. 
Ammoni'acum. 532. 
Ammoniated glycyrrhizin, 

585. 

— mercury, 202. 
Ammo'nii be'nzoas, 621. 
Ammo'nii bro'midum, 237. 

— ca'rbonas, 143. 

— chlo'ridum, 144. 



Ammo'nii io'dum, 233. 

— ni'tras, 146. 

— valeria'nas, 528. 
Ammoniated mercury oint- 
ment, 202. 

Ammonio ferric alum, 183. 

citrate, 184. 

sulphate, 183. 

tartrate, 184. 

— mercuric chloride, 208. 
Ammonium, acetate, solution 

of, M5- 

— benzoate, 621. 

— bromide, 237. 

— carbonate, 143. 

— chloride, 144. 
troches, 144. 

— ichthyol sulphonate, 667. 

— iodide, 232. 

— nitrate, 146. 

— valerianate, 528. 
Ammo'nium, 141. 
Amy'gdala ama'ra, 580. 

— du'lcis, 581. 
Amygdalin, 580, 619, 620. 
Amyl colloid, 413. 

— ni'tris, 287. 

— nitrite, 287. 
Amylene hydrate, 295. 
Amyle'ni hy'dras, 295. 
Amylic alcohol, 272. 
A'mylum, 635. 
Anaesthetics, general, 102. 

— local, 97. 

— dangers of, 104. 
Analgesics, 299. 
Anaphrodisiacs, 108. 
Anarcotine, 326, 341. 
Anethene, 524. 
Anethol, 521. 
Ane'thum, 524. 
Anemonin, 422. 
Angelic acid, 516. 
Angustura bark, 555. 
Anhidrotics, 62. 
Anhydrogluco-chloral, 295. 
Animal charcoal, 259. 
Anise, 520. 

Ani'sum, 520. 
Annidalin, 318. 
Anodyne, Hoffman's, 281. 

— colloid, 413. 
Anodynes, local, 97. 
Anthelmintics, 48. 



INDEX. 



685 



Anthemene, 526. 
Anthemidin, 527. 
A'nthemis, 526. 
Anthemol, 526. 
Anticholagogues, 93, 106. 
Antidote, arsenic, 183. 

— hydrophobia, 674. 
Anti-emetics, 85. 
Antifebrin, 299. 
Antigalactagogues, 109. 
Antihidrotics, 62. 
Antikamnia, 301. 
Antimonial powder, 217. 
Antimo'nium, 216. 
Antimo'nii etpota'ssii tar'tras 

218. 

— o'xidum, 217. 

— su'lphidum, 216. 

purifica'tum, 217. 

Antimo'nium sulphura'tum, 

217. 
Antimony and potassium 
tartrate, 218. 

— black purified, 217. 

— oxide, 217. 

— pills, compound, 201. ■ 

— sulphide, 216. 
purified, 217. 

— sulphurated, 217. 
1 — tartrated, 218. 

— tri oxide, 217. 

— trisulphide, 216. 

— wine of, 218. 
Antiparasitics, 49. 
Antiperiodics, 49. 
Antipyretics, 68, 299. 
Antipyrin, 302. 
Antipyri'num, 302. 
Antiseptics, 46, 306. 

— gastric, 80. 

— intestinal, 90. 
Antisialogogues, 77. 
Antispasmodics, 74. 
Antitoxin, diphtheria, 671. 

— tetanus, 674. 

— streptococcus, 671. 
Antizymotics, 48. 
Apenta, 89. 
Aphrodisiacs, 108. 
Apiol, 609. 
Apio'lum, 609. 
Apocynein, 599. 
Apocynin, 599. 
Apo'cynum, 598. 



Apomorphi'nae hydrochlo'ras 

34i. 
Apomorphine hydrochlorate, 

34i. 
Aporetin, 461. 
Appendix, 675. 
A'qua, in. 

— amm'onise, 141. 
fo'rtior, 141. 

— amy'gdalae am'arae, 580. 

— an'in, 521. 

— aura'ntii flo'rum, 560. 
fo'rtior, 560. 

— campho'rse, 613. 

— chlo'ri, 227. 

— chlorofo'rmi, 273. 

— cinnamo'mi, 512. 

— creoso'ti, 312. 

— destilla/ta, in. 

— fceni'culi, 523. 

— hydroge'nii dio'xidi, 115. 

— me'nthae piperi'tse, 519. 

— me'nthae vi'ridis, 520. 

— re'gia, 247. 

— ro'sae, 626. 

fo'rtior, 626. 

A'quae, 19. 
Arabin, 15, 582, 583. 
Arachin, 574, 633. 
Araroba powder, 624. 
Arbutin, 597, 602. 
Arge'nti cya'nidum, 166. 

— io'didum, 166. 

— ni'tras, 165. 

dilu'tus, 165. 

fu'sus, 165. 

— o'xidum, 165. 
Arge'ntum, 165. 
Argonin, 167. 
Aristol, 318. 
Aristo'lum, 318. 
Aristolochine, 556. 
Armora'cia, 513. 
A'rnica, 502. 
A'rnicse ra'dix, 503. 

— flo'res, 502. 
Arnica root, 503. 

— flowers, 502. 

— plaster, 503. 
Arnicin, 502. 
Aromatic elixir, 560. 

— fluid extract, 512. 

— powder, 511. 
Arsenic, 211. 



Arsenic antidote, 183. 

— and mercuric iodide, solu- 

tion of, 201. 

— iodide, 212. 

— trioxide, 211. 

— white, 211. 
A'rseni io'didum, 212. 
Arsenous acid, 211. 

solution of, 212. 

A'rsenum, 211. 
Artanthic acid, 546. 
Artificial human milk, 656. 

— oil of wintergreen, 450. 
Asafetida, 530. 
Asafce'tida, 530. 
Asaprol, 321. 
Asapro'lum, 321. 
Ascle'pias, 429. 
Asclepion, 429. 

Ash, prickly, 640. 
Asparagin, 579, 584. 
Aspi'dium, 589. 
Aspidosamine, 431. 
Aspidospe'rma, 431. 
Aspidospermatine, 431. 
Aspidospermine, 431. 
Astringents, 60. 

— intestinal, 90. 
Atropi'na, 347. 
Atropi'nse sul'phas, 347. 
Atropine, 346, 347. 

— sulphate, 347. 
Atropurpurin, 484. 
Attar of rose, 626. 
Aura'ntii ama'ri co'rtex, 558. 

— du'lcis co'rtex, 559. 
Au'ri et so'dii chlo'ridum, 198 
Au'rum, 198. 

"DAEL fruit, 644. 

Baker's ammonia, 143. 
Baking soda, 133. 
Balm, 628. 
Balsam, of copaiba, 540. 

— of fir, 496. 

— Friar's, 621. 

— of Peru, 534. 

— of Tolu, 535- 
Ba'lsamum Peruvia'num, 534. 

— Toluta'num, 535. 
Balsams, 14. 
Barbadoes aloes, 468. 
Barbaloin, 470. 
Ba'rii dio'xidum, 153. 



636 



INDEX. 



Barium, 153. 

— dioxide, 153. 

— peroxide, 153. 
Barley, pearl, 587. 
Barosmin, 540. 
Barus camphor, 613. 
Basham's mixture, 181. 
Basilicon ointment, 495. 
Basis, 40. 

Bassorin, 15, 579, 582. 
Baths, 112. 

— cold, 112. 

— hot, 114. 

— indifferent, 112. 

— tepid, 114. 

— warm, 114. 
Battey's fluid, 231. 
Battley's solution, 328. 
Bay oil, 629. 

— rum, 630. 
Bearberry, 597. 
Bebeeru bark, 452. 
Beberi'nae su'lphas, 453. 
Beberine, 452. 

— sulphate, 453. 
Beer, 264. 

— yeast, 636. 
Be'lse fruc'tus, 644. 
Bellado'nna, 345. 
Bellado'nnse fo'lia, 345. 

— ra'dix, 346. 
Belladonine, 346. 
Benne oil, 630. 
Benzin, 261. 
Benzi'num, 261. 

Benzoic acid, 535, 536, 621. 
Benzosol, 314. 
Benzoyl-guaiacol, 314. 
Benzoylsulphonicimide, 323 
Benzoylvinyldiacetonalkamin 

hydrochlorate, 390. 
Benzoin, 620. 
Benzoinated lard, 621. 
Benzoi'num, 620. 
Benzylic benzoate, 536. 

— cinnamate, 536. 
Berberine, 453, 550, 6}2. 
Bergamot, oil of, 476. 
Beta-naphtol, 320. 
Be'tula, volatile oil of, 518. 
Bhang, 361. 

Bile, drugs acting on, 92. 
Bismuth, 174. 



Bismuth and ammonium ci- 
trate, 175. 
Bismuth citrate, 175. 

— oxide, 176. 

— phenate, 177. 

— naphtolate, 177. 

— salicylate, 175. 

— subcarbonate, 174. 

— subgallate, 1 76. 

— subnitrate, 175. 

— tribromophenate, 176. 
Bismu'thi ci'tras, 175. 

— et ammon'ii ci'tras, 175. 

— salicy'Ias, 175. 

— subca'rbonas, 174. 

— subni'tras, 175. 
Bismu'thum, 174. 
Bitter almond, 580. 

— apple, 477. 

— cucumber, 477. 

— gourd, 477. 

— orange peel, 558. 

— principles, 12. 

— wine of iron, 185. 
Bitters, 549. 
Bittersweet, 601. 

Black antimony purified, 217. 

— berry, 571. 

— cohosh, 557. 

— draught, 465. 

— drop, 328. 

— haw, 607. 

— mustard, 496. 

— pepper, 508. 

— snake root, 557. 

— wash, 206. 

Bladder, action of drugs on, 

67. 
Blaud's pills, 179. 
Bleaching powder, 228. 
Bliss' cure, 357. 
Blister beetles, 665. 
Blistering collodion, 633. 
Blood, drugs acting on, 49. 

— root, 421. 
Blue cohosh, 607. 

— flag, 483. 

— mass, 199. 

— methylene, 323. 

— ointment, 199 

— pill, 199. 

— stone, T72. 

— vitriol, 172. 



Bodily heat, drugs acting on, 

68. 
Boluses, 20. 
Boneset, 458. 
Bone-black, 259. 
Boracic acid, 256. 
Borax, 256. 
Boric acid, 256. 
Borneo camphor, 522, 613. 
Borneol, 502, 527. 
Boro-glyceride, solution of, 

256. 
Boro-glycerin, glycerite of, 

256. 
Bougies, 35. 
Bourboule water, 194. 
Brain, drugs acting on, 99. 

— extract, 670. 
Brandy, 263. 
Braye'ra, 591. 
Brazilian coca, 365. 
Bromides, 236. 
Bromine, 236. 
Bromoform, 284. 
Bromofo'rmum, 284. 
Bro'mum, 236. 

Bronchial secretion, drugs af- 
fecting the, 73. 

— vessels, drugs acting on, 74. 

— spasm, 74. 
Broom, 407. 
Brown mixture, 585. 
Brucine, 367. 
Bryo'nia, 474. 
Bryonin, 475. 
Bryony, 474. 
Bucco, 539. 
Buchu, 539. 
Buckthorn, 467. 
Burdock, 643. 
Burgundy, 264. 

— pitch, 494. 

plaster, 494. 

Burned lime, 149. 
Burnt alum, 158. 
Burnett's fluid, 169. 
Butternut, 464. 
Butter of cacao, 633. 

— of antimony, 220. 

— of zinc, 168. 
Butyl-chloral hy'dras, 294. 
hydrate, 294. 

Byne, 587. 



687 



pACAO butter, 633. 

Cactine, 419. 
Ca'ctus, 418. 
Cachets, 35. 
Cade, oil of, 493. 
Caffei'na, 363, 

— citra'ta, 363. 

efferve'scens, 363. 

Caffeine, 362. 

— citrated, 363. 

effervescent, 363. 

Cajuput, oil of, 499. 
Cajuputene hydrate, 499. 
Cajuputol, 499. 
Calabar bean, 372. 
Calabarine, 372. 
Calamine, 552. 
Ca'lamus, 551. 

Ca'lcii bro'midum, 237. 

— car'bonas prsecipita'tus, 

148. 

— chlo'ridum, 151. 

— hypopho'sphis. 225. 

— pho'sphas prsecipita'tus, 

150. 

— su'lphas exsicca'tus, 151. 
Calcined magnesia, 155'. 
Ca'lcium, 147. 

— beta-naphtol alpha-mono- 

sulphonate, 321. 

— bromide, 237. 

— carbonate, precipitated, 

148. 

— chloride, 151. 

— hydrate, solution of, 149. 

— hypophosphite, 225. 

— lacto-phosphate, syrup of, 

150. 

— phosphate, precipitated, 

150. 

— sulphate, dried, 151. 

— sulphide, crude, 244. 
Cale'ndula, 645. 
Calendulin, 645. 
Calloxylin, 632. 
Calomel, 201. 
Calu'mba, 549. 
Calumbic acid, 550. 
Calumbin, 550. 

Calx, 149. 

— chlora'ta, 228. 

— sulphura'ta, 242. 
Cambo'gia, 439. 
Camphor, 612. 



Camphor, Barus, 613. 

— Borneo, 613. 

— laurel, 612. 

— monobromated, 613. 

— Sumatra, 613. 
Ca'mphora, 612. 

— monobro'mata, 613. 
Camphorated oil, 613. 
Camphoric acid, 614. 
Cannabin, 361. 
Cannabinine, 361. 
Cannabinon, 361. 
Canada balsam, 496. 

— turpentine, 496. 
Canadian hemp, 598. 

— moonseed, 642. 
Canadine, 454. 
Candle fish, 653. 
Cane sugar, 627. 
Cane'lla, 551. 

— bark, 551. 
Canellin, 551. 
Ca'nnabis, Indian, 360. 

— i'ndica, 360. 
Cantharidal collodion, 633. 

— pitch plaster, 494. 
Cantha'rides, 665. 
Cantharidin, 665. 
Ca'ntharis, 665. 
Caoutchouc, 634. 
Capronic acid, 502. 
Caprylic acid, 502. 
Capsaicin, 513. 
Capsicin, 513. 
Ca'psicum, 513. 
Capsules, 35. 
Canquoin's paste, 169. 
Caraway, 523. 

— oil of, 523. 
Ca'rbo, 259. 

— anima'lis, 259. 
purifica'tus, 259. 

— li'gni, 259. 
Carbolic acid, 307. 
Carbon, 259. 

— bisulphide, 246. 

— disulphide, 246. 
Carbo'nei disu'lphidum, 246. 
Cardamom, 515. 
Cardamo'mum, 515. 
Cardiac mechanism, drugs 

acting on, 52. 
Carlsbad water, 137. 
Carminic acid, 660. 



Carminative tincture, 516. 
Carminatives, 82. 
Carolina pink, 594. 
Carragheen, 576. 
Carron oil, 149. 
Ca'rum, 523. 
Carvene, 523. 
Carvol, 520, 523. 
Caryophyllin, 506. 
Caryo'phyllus, 505. 
Casca bark, 409. 
Casca'ra sagra'da, 467. 
Cascari'lla, 554. 
Cascarillin, 554. 
Cascarin, 467. 
Ca'ssia bark, 512. 

— cinnamon, 512. 

— fi'stula, 457. 

— oil of, 512. 

— purging, 457. 
Casta'nea, 429. 
Castile soap, white, 574. 
Castor oil, 459. 

seeds, 459. 

Catapla'smata, 35. 
Catechin, 566, 572. 
Ca'techu, 566. 

— tannic acid, 566. 
Catechuic acid, 566. 
Cathartic acid, 457, 465. 

— pills, compound, 201. 

vegetable, 478. 

Cathartics, 88. 
Cathartogenic acid, 465. 
Cathartomannit, 465. 
Cantharidal pitch plaster, 494. 
Caullophylline, 607. 
Caullophy'llum, 607. 
Caustic, lunar, 165. 

— mitigated, 165. 

— potash, 116. 

— soda, 131. 

— Vienna, 117. 
Caustics, 58. 
Cayenne pepper, 513. 
Celandine, 483. 
Cephaelic acid, 423. 
Cephaeline, 423. 
Ce'ra a'lba, 664. 

— fla'va, 664. 
Cerasin, 15. 
Cera'ta, 20. 
Cerates, 20. 

Cerebral depressants, 101, 325 



688 



INDEX. 



Cerebral excitants, 345. 

— stimulants, 100. 
Ce'reus grandiflo'rus, 418, 
Cerevi'siae ferme'ntum, 636. 
Ce'rii o'xalas, 157. 

Cerin, 664. 
Ce'rium, 157. 

— oxalate, 157. 
Cerous oxalate, 1C7. 
Cerylic alcohol, 664. 
Ceta'ceum, 659. 
Cetin, 659. 
Cetra'ria, 588. 
Cetraric acid, 588. 
(Jetylic alcohol, 659. 
Cevadine, 414. 
Ceylon cinnamon, 511. 
Chalk, drop, 147. 

— mixture, 148. 

— powder, compound, 1480 

— prepared, 147. 

— troches of, 148. 
Chalybeate pills, 179. 
Chamomile, 526. 

— German, 526. 

— oil of, 526. 
Champagne, 264. 
Charcoal, animal, 259. 
purified, 259. 

— wood, 259. 
Charas, 361. 
Cha'rta, 20. 

— pota'ssii nitra'tis, 125. 

— si'napis, 497. 
Chaulmoogra oil, 647. 
Chelidonine, 483. 
Chelido'nium, 483. 
Chelerythrine, 422, 483. 
Chemical constitution, 45. 

— incompatibility, 40. 
Chenopo'dium, 595. 
Cherry laurel, 620. 

— wild, 619. 
Chestnut, 429. 
Cheyne-Stokes breathing, 

drugs which produce, 75. 
Chima'phila, 602. 
Chimaphilin, 602. 
Chinese cinnamon, 512. 
Chira'ta, 554. 
Chiratin, 554. 
Chire'tta 554. 
Chittem bark, 467. 
Chloral, 290. 



Chloral formamide, 294. 

— hydrate. 290. 
Chloralamide, 294. 
Chlora'lum formamida'tum, 

294. 
Chloralose, 295, 
Chloric ether, 274. 
Chlorinated lime, 228. 

— soda, solution of, 228. 
Chlorine, 227. 

— water, 227. 
Chlorobrom, 295. 
Chlorodyne, 274. 
Chloroform, 273. 
Chlorofo'rmum, 273. 

— purifica'tum, 273. 
Chlo'rum, 227. 
Cholagogues, 92. 
Choline, 361. 
Cholesterin, 662. 
Cho'ndrus, 576. 
Chromic acid, 221. 

— anhydride, 221. 

— trioxide, 221. 
Chro'mium, 221. 
Chrysophan, 461, 624. 
Chrysophanic acid, 461, 465, 

572,624. 
Chrysarobin, 461. 624. 
Chrysarobi'num, 461, 624. 
Churrus 361. 
Churchill's tincture, 231. 
Cigarettes, ~)$- 
Ciliary mascle, drugs acting 

on, 107. 
Cimici'fuga, 557. 
Cimicifugin, 557. 
Cincho'na, 433. 

— red, 434. 

— ru'bra, 435 
Cinchotannic acid, 434. 
Cinchonidi'nae su'lphas, 458. 
Cinchonidine, 434. 

— sulphate, 438. 
Cinchoni'na, 437. 
Cinchoni'nae su'lphas - 437. 
Cinchonine, 434, 437. 

— sulphate, 437. 
Cinchonism, 442. 

Cineol, 499, 500, 502, 593, 629. 
Cider, 264. 
Cinnabar, 199, 210. 
Cinnamein, 492, 535. 
Cinnamene, 536. 



Cinnamo'mum ca'ssia, 512. 

— saigo'nicum, 511. 

— zeyla'nicum 511. 
Cinnamon, 511. 

— cassia, 512. 

— Ceylon, 511. 

— Chinese, 512. 

— oil of, 512. 

— saigon, 511. 
Cinnamic aldehyde. 512. 

— acid, 512, 535, 536,621. 
Cinnamyl cinnamate, 536. 
Citrated caffeine, 363. 

effervescent, 363. 

Citral, 618. 

Citrene, 618. 

— ointment, 202. 
Citric acid, 249 619, 627. 
Citrullin, 477. 
Clarendon, 149. 
Claret, 264. 

Clarified honey, 650. 
Clark's powder, 444. 
Club moss, 636. 
Cloves, 505. 

— oil of, 506. 
Clysters, 36. 
Co'ca, 384. v 

Cocai'nae hydrochlo'ras, 385. 
Cocaine, 384. 

— hydrochlorate, 385. 
Coccogin, 504. 
Cocculus Indicus, 596. 
Co'ccus, 660. 
Cochineal, 660. 

— bug, 660. 
Cocilla'na, 432. 
Cocoa, Brazilian, 365. -J 
Codamine, 326. 
Codei'na, 340. 
Codeine, 340. 

Cod liver oil, 653. 
Coffee, 363. 
Cohosh, blue, 607. 

— black, 557. 
Colchiceine, 610. 
Colchicine 609, 610. 
Co'lchicum, 609. ■ 

— root, 609. 

— seed, 610. 
Cold cream, 626. 

— pack, 113. 

— baths, 112. 
Collidine, 382. 



INDEX. 



689 



Collo'dia, 20. 
Collodion, 632. 

— blistering, 633. 

— cantharidal, 633. 

— styptic, 562. 
Collodions, 20. 
Collo'dium, 632. 

— cantharida'tum, 633. 

— fle'xile, 633. 

— sty'pticum, 562. 
Colluna'ria, 36. 
Colly'ria, 36. 
Colocynth, 477. 
Colocynthein, 477. 
Colocynthin, 477. 
Colocy'nthis, 477. 
Colocynthitin, 477. 
Colophony, 495. 
Coloring agents, 631, 660. 
Columbo, 549. 
Common salt, 137. 
Compound antimony pills 

201. 

— cathartic pills, 201. 
Condal, 137. 
Condy's fluid, 197. 
Confe'ctio ro'sse, 625. 

— se'nnae, 465. 
Confection of rose, 625. 

— senna, 465. 
Confe'ctiones, 20. 
Confections, 20. 
Conhydrine, 379. 
Coniine, 379. 
Coni'um, 378. 
Consti'tuens, 40. 
Consumptive's weed, 432. 
Contrexeville, 149. 
Convallamarin, 405. 
Convalla'ria, 405. 
Convallarin, 405. 
Convolvulin, 474, 
Copa'iba, 540. 
Copaiva, 540. 
Copaivic acid, 541. 
Copper, 172. 

— oleate, 173. 

— sulphate, 172. 
Copperas, 178. 
Coriander, 522. 
Coriandrol, 522. 
Coria'ndrum, 522. 
Coridine, 382. 
Corn-silk, 599. 

44 



Cornutine, 603. 
Co'rrigens, 40. 

Corrosive mercuric chloride, 
200. 

— sublimate, 200. 
Corson's paint, 476. 
Coster's paste, 232, 
Goto, 573. 
Cotoin, 573. 
Cotton, 632. 

— absorbent, 632. 

— purified, 63^. 

— root bark, 606. 

— soluble gun, 632. 

— seed oil, 633. 
Couch grass, 600. 
Coumarin, 645. 
Counter-irritant, 58. 
Court plaster, 663. 
Cramp bark, 608. 
Cranberry, high bush, 608. 
Cranesbill, 571. 

Cream of tartar, 123. 

Creams, 36. 

Crede's method, 167. 

Cremora, 36. 

Creolin, 315. 

Creoli'num, 315. 

Creosol, 312. 

Creosote, 312. 

Creoso'tum, 312. 

Cre'ta praepara'ta, 147. 

Crocetin, 631. 

Crocin, 631. 

Crocose, 631. 

Cro'cus, 631. 

Croton chloral hydrate, 294. 

— oil, 475. 

seeds, 475. 

Crotonol, 475. 

Crude calcium sulphide, 244. 

— carbolic acid, 307. 
Cubeb, 543. 

— camphor, 544. 
Cube'ba, 543. 
Cubebic acid, 544. 
Cubebin, 544. 
Cu'ca, 384. 
Cucumber, squirting, 478. 

— bitter, 477. 
Culver's root, 482. 
Cumulative action, 39. 
Cupreine, 434. 
Cu'pri su'lphas, 172. 



Cupri; sulphate, 172. 
Cu'prum, 172. 
Curacoa aloes, 468. 
Cura'ra, 384. 
Curare, 384. 
Curari'na, 384. 
Curarine, 384. 
Curd soap, 661. 
Cuspa'ria, 555. 
— co'rtex, 555. 
Cusparin, 555. 
Cusso, 591. 
Cutch, 566. 

Cyirfene, 500, 543, 618. 
Cypripe'dium, 530. 
Cryptopine, 326. 

£)AMIA'NA, 547. 

Dandelion, 558. 
Daphnin, 504. 
Daturic acid, 356. 
Daturine, 356. 
Deadly nightshade, 345. 
Deco'cta, 20. 

Deco'ctum ad icte'ricos, 483. 
Decoctions, 20. 
Definitions, 9. 
Deliriants, 100. 
Delphinine, 596. 
Delphinoidine, 596. 
Delphisine, 596. 
Demulcents, 61. 
Deodorants, 48. 
Deodorized alcohol, 263. 

— opium, 328. 
Depressants, cerebral, 101. 
Dermatol, 176. 
Deuteropine, 326. 
Dextrin, 587. 
Dextropinene, 522. 
Dextrose, 650. 
Diachylon ointment, 160. 

— piaster, 160. 
Dia'lysis, 15. 
Dialyzed iron, 186. 
Diaphoretics, 61. 
Diastase, 587. 
Dichloromethane, 651. 
Diethylenediamine, 324. 
Diethylsulphondimethyl- 

methanc, 297. 
Diethylsulphonmethylethyl- 

methane, 298. 
Digallic acid, 562. 



690 



INDEX. 



Digestants, 650. 

Digestive apparatus, drugs 

acting on, 75. 
Digitalein, 395. 
Digitalin, 394. 
Digitali'num ve'rum, 395. 
Digita'lis, 394. 
Digitonin, 395. 
Digitoxin, 394. 
Diisobutylorthocresol 

iodide, 319. 
Dill, 524. 

Diluted alcohol, 262. 
Dimethylethylcarbinol, 295. 
Dinner pill, 471. 
Diosphenol, 540. 
Diphtheria antitoxin, 671. 
Direct action, 45. 
Disinfectants, 46. 
Dispensing the prescription, 

44. 
Dispermine, 324. 
Displacement, 15. 
Dissolution, law of, 99. 
Distilled water, in. 
Dithymoldiiodide, 318. 
Diuretics, 63. 
Diuretin, 366. 
Dock, yellow, 524. 
Dog button, 366. 

— rose, 627. 
Domestic measures, 18. 
Donovan's solution, 201. 
Doses, 19, 38. 
Dover's powder, 327. 
Drastic purgatives, 88. 
Draught, 36. 

Dried alum, 158. 

— gypsum, 151. 

— sodium carbonate, 133. 
Drop chalk, 147. 
Drops, 36. 

Drugs, administration of, 37. 

— acting on the heart, 394. 
nervous system, 325, 

648. 
Dubo'isinae su'lphas, 360. 
Duboisine sulphate, 360. 
Dulcama'ra, 601. 
Dulcamarin, 601. 
Dusart's syrup, 195. 

~C ARS, drugs acting on, 107. 
Easton's syrup, 195. 



Eau de goudron, 493. 
Ebonite, 634. 
Ecbolics, 108 
Ecboline, 603. 
Ecgonine, 384. 
Effervescent citrated caffeine, 
363- . 

— lithium citrate, 146. 

— magnesium citrate, 154. 

— potassium citrate, 121. 

— powder, compound, 136. 
Egg albumen, 660. 

— yolk of, 659. 
Ela^optens, 14. 
Ela'stica, 634. 
Elaterin, 478. 
Elateri'num, 478. 
Elder, 524. 
Elecampane, 430. 
Electuaries, 21. 
Elemi, 504. 

Eli'xir aroma'ticum, 560. 

— pho'sphori, 223. 

— proprieta'tis Parace'lsi, 470 
Eli'xira, 21. 

Elixirs, 21. 
Elm, 583. 

— slippery, 584. 
Elutriation, 15. 
Emetics, 83, 122. 
Emetine, 423. 
Emmenagogues, 109. 
Emodin, 461, 467. 
Emollients, 61 658. 
Empirical therapeutics, 9. 
Empla'stra, 21. 
Emu'lsa, 21. 

Emulsin, 580, 581, 619, 620. 
Emulsions, 21. 
Enemas, 36. 
Ene'mata, 36, 89. 
Epsom salt, 154. 
Ergot, 603. 

— of rye, 603. 
Ergo'ta, 603. 
Ergotic acid, 603. 
Ergotin, 604. 
Ergotine, 603. 
Ergotinic acid, 603. 
Ergotinine, 603. 
Ergotism, 605. 
Ericolin, 432, 597, 602. 
Eri'geron, oil of, 491. 
Eriodi'ctyon, 432. 



Erythrophlceine, 409. 
Erythro'phlceum, 409. 
Erythroretin, 461. 
Erythro'xylon, 384. 
Escharotics, 58. 
Eseridine, 372. 
Eserine, 372. 

— salicylate, 373. 

— sulphate, 373. 
Essence of nutmeg, 510. 

— of peppermint, 518. 

— of spearmint, 520. 
Essences, 36. 
Esse'ntiae, 36. 
Essential oils, 13. 
Ether, 280. 

— acetic, 283. 

— chloric, 274. 

— ethylic, 280. 

— hydrobromic, 283. 

— nitrous, spirit of, 285. 

— spirit of, compound, 281. 

— sulphuric, 280. 
Ethereal oil, 280. 
Ethyl acetate, 283. 

— alcohol, 262. 

— bromide, 283. 

— carbamate, 298. 

— cinnamate, 536. 

— oxide, 280. 

— urethane, 298. 
Ethylic alcohol, 262. 

— ether, 280. 

Eucai'nae hydrochlo'ras, 388. 
Eucaine hydrochlorate, 388. 

— B, 390. 
Eucalyptene, 500. 
Eucalyptol, 500. 
Eucal'yptus, 499. 

— gum, 572. 
Eugenic acid, 506. 
Eugenin, 506. 
Eugenol, 506. 
Eulachon oil, 653. 
Euonymin, 484. 
Euo'nymus, 484. 
Eupatorin, 459. 
Eupato'rium, 458. 
Europhen, 319. 
Exalgin, 304. 
Exalgi'num, 304. 
Expectorants, 74. 

— depressing, 75. 

— stimulating, 75. 



INDEX. 



691 



Experimental therapeutics, 10 
Expressed oil of nutmeg, 510. 

of almond, 581. 

Extract of meat, 657. 
Extra'cta, 22. 

— flu'ida, 23. 

— organ'ica, 669. 
Extracts, 22. 
Extra'ctum ca'rnis, 657. 

— pancreatis, 656. 

Eye, drugs acting on, 105. 

pABIA'NA, 602. 

Fabianine, 602. 
False hellebore, 409. 
Family pill, 219. 
Fari'na tn'tici, 635. 
Fats, definition of, 13. 
Fel bo'vis, 649. 
Fel bo'vis purifica'tum, 649. 

— tau'ri, 649. 
Fennel, 522. 
Fern, male, 589. 
Ferratin, 195. 
Fe'rri a'rsenas, 185. 

— ca'rbonas sacchara'tus, 180. 

— chlo'ridum, 180. 

— ci'tras, 182. 

— et ammo'nii ci'tras, 184. 

— — su'lphas, 183. 
ta'rtras, 184. 

— et pota'ssii ta'rtras, 184. 

— et quini'nae ci'tras, 185. 
solu'bilis, 185. 

— et strychni'nse citras, 184. 

— hypopho'sphis, 226. 

— io'didum sacchara'tum, 180 

— la'ctas, 180. 

— o'xidum hydra'tum, 183. 
cum magne'sia, 183. 

— pho'sphas solu'bilis, 183. 

— pyropho'sphas solu'bilis, 

185. 

— su'lphas, 178. 

exsicca'tus, 178. 

granula'tus, 179. 

— valeria'nas, 528. 
Ferric acetate solution, 182 

— ammonium sulphate, 183. 

— chloride, 180. 

solution of, 181. 

tincture of, 181. 

- Weld's syrup of, 188. 

— citrate, solution of, 182. 



Ferric hydrate, 182. 
with magnesia, 183. 

— hydroxide, 182. 

— hypophosphite, 226. 

— nitrate, solution of, 181. 

— phosphate, soluble, 183. 

— pyrophosphate, soluble, 

185. 

— subsulphate, solution of, 

182. 

— valerianate, 528. 
Ferrous carbonate, mass of, 

179. 

— iodide, pills of, 180. 

saccharated, 180. 

syrup of, 180. 

— lactate, 180. 

— sulphate, 178. 

dried, 178. 

granulated, 179. 

Ferruginous pills, 179. 
Fe'rrum, 178. 

— dialysa'tum, 186. 

— redu'ctum, 178. 
Ferulic acid, 531. 
Fi'cus, 456. 

Fig, 456. 
Filicic acid, 590. 
Filicin, 590. 
Fi'lix mas, 589. 
Fir wood oil, 537. 

— balsam of, 496. 
Fish berry, 596. 
Fixed oils, 12. 
Flag, sweet, 551. 
Flaxseed, 586. 

— oil of, 586. 
Fleabane, oil of, 491. 
Fleming's tincture, 410. 
Flexible collodion, 633. 
Flies, Spanish, 665. 
Flitwick water, 194. 
Flour, wheat, 635. 
Flowers of sulphur, 242. 
Fluid extracts, 23. 

Fly fungus, 376. 
Fceni'culum, 522. 
Fome'nta, 36. 
Fomentations, 36. 
Foods, 653. 
Formal, 322. 
Formaldehyde, 322. 
Formaldehy'dum, 322. 
Formalin, 322. 



Formic aldehyde, 322. 
Foxglove, 394. 
Fowler's solution, 212. 
Fra'ngula, 467. 
Frangulin, 467. 
Frankincense, 495. 
Franz Joseph, 137. 
Friedrichshall, 89,137. 
Friar's balsam, 621. 
Fusel oil, 272. 

QADUIN,6 S 3. 

Galactagogues, 109. 
Galba'num, 532. 
Galipeine, 555. 
Gall, ox, 649. 
Ga'lla, 561. 

Gallic acid, 561, 565, 570, 571. 
Gallotanic acid, 562. 
Gamboge, 479. 
Gambogia, 479. 
Gambogic acid, 480. 
Ganga, 361. 
Gargari'smata, 36. 
Gargles, 36. 
Garlic, 427. 

Gastric antiseptics, 80. 
— juice, action of drugs on, 

78. 
— sedatives, 82. 
Gastro-intestinal irritants, 81. 
Gaulthe'ria, oil of, 450. 
Gelatin, 663, 664. 
Gelati'num, 664. 
Gelsemine, 377. 
Gelseminic acid, 377. 
Gelseminine, 377. 
Gelse'mium, 376. 
General therapeutics, 9. 
Generation, action of drugs 

on, 108. 
Gentian, 552. 
Gentia'na, 552. 
Gentisic acid, 505, 552. 
Gentiogenin, 552. 
Gentiopicrin, 552. 
Geraniol, 559. 
Gera'nium, 571. 
German chamomile, 526. 
Gin, 264. 
Ginger, 514. 
Gingerol, 514. 
Glacial acetic acid, 249. 
Glauber's salt, 105. 



692 



INDEX. 



Glonoin, 289. 

— spirit of, 289. 
Glonoi'num, 289. 
Glucose, 650. 
Glucosides, 12. 
Glucusimide, 323. 
Gluside, 323. 
Glusi'dum, 323. 
Gluten, 635, 663. 
Glycerin, 576. 

— suppositories, 577. 
Glyceri'num, 576. 
Glyceri'ta, 25. 
Glycerites, 25. 
Glyceri'tum a'cidi carbo'lici, 

3°7- 

— a'cidi ta'nnici, 562. 

— a'myli, 577. 

— boroglyceri'ni, 256. 

— hydra'stis, 454. 

— vite'lli, 577. 

Glyceryl borate, glycerite of, 
256. 

— butyrate, 510. 

— myristate, 510. 

— oleate, 510. 

— trinitrate, 289. 
Glycogenic function, 94. 
Glyconin, 577. 
Glycyramin, 584. 
Glycyrrhetin, 584. 
Glycyrrhi'za, 584. 
Glycyrrhizin, 584. 

— ammoniated, 585. 
Glycosuria, 94. 
Gnoscopine, 326. 
Goa powder, 624. 
Gold, 198. 

— and sodium chloride, 198. 
Golden seal, 453. 
Gossy'pii ra'dicis co'rtex, 606. 
Gossy'piumpurifica'tum, 632. 
Goulard's cerate, 161. 

— extract, 161. 
Grana'tum, 590. 
Granulated ferrous sulphate, 

179. 
Gray powder, 199. 
Gregory's powder, 462. 
Green mercurous iodide, 201. 

— hellebore, 414 

— Paris, 215. 

— Scheele's, 215. 

— Schweinfurth's, 215. 



Green soap, 526. 

— solution, 448. 

— vitriol, T78. 
Griffith's mixture, 179. 
Grinde'lia, 537. 
Grindeline, 538. 
Guaiac, 638. 

— resin, 638. 

— wood, 638. 
Guai'aci li'gnum, 638. 

— resi'na, 638. 
Guaiacic acid, 638. 
Guaiacol, 314, 492, 638. 

— benzoate, 314. 

— carbonate, 314. 

— salicylate, 315. 
Guaiaco'Ii be'nzoas, 314. 

— ca'rbonas, 314. 

— sali'cylas, 315. 
Guaiaconic acid, 638. 
Guaiaretic acid, 638. 
Guara'na, 365. 
Guaranine, 362, 365. 
Guinea pepper, 513. 
Gum arabic, 582.. 

— camphor, 612. 

— guaiac, 638. 

— resins, 15. 
Gums, 15. 

Gun cotton, soluble, 632. 
Gunjah, 361. 
Gu'ttse, 36. 
Guttapercha, 635. 
Guy's pill, 208, 407. 
Gynocardic acid, 647. 
Gypsum, dried, 151. 

J_J^EMATIN, 569. 
Hsematinics, 50. 

— indirect, 51. 
Hsematoxylin, 569. 
Haemato'xylon, 569. 
Haemostatics, 60. 
Hamame'lis, 369. 
Habit, 39. 

Hard soap, 574. 

Hard petrola'tum, 261. 

Haschisch, 361. 

Hartshorn, 143. 

Hau'stus, 36. 

Heart, drugs acting on, 53. 

Heavy magnesia, 155. 

Hedeo'ma, 525. 

Helenin, 430. 



Hellebore, American, 414. 

— green, 414. 

— false, 409. 
Hemidesmic acid, 645. 
Hemide'smus, 645. 
Hemlock, 378. 
Hemp, Indian, 360. 

— Canadian, 598. 
Henbane, 359. 
Hepatic stimulants, 92. 

— aloes, 469. 
Hesperidene, 559. 
Hesperidin, 559, 618. 
High bush cranberry, 608. 
Himrod's cure, 357. 
Hips, 627. 

Hircin, 661. 

Hiru'do, 668. 

Hive syrup, 218. 

Hoang-Nan, 367. 

Hock, 264 

Hoffmann's anodyne, 281. 

Homatropi'nae hydrobro'mas, 

355- 
Homatropine hydrobromate, 

355- 
Homochelidonine, 422. 
Homoquinine, 434. 
Homolle's digitalin, 395. 
Homopterocarpin, 631. 
Honey, 650. 

— clarified, 650. 

— of rose, 626. 
Honeys, 27. 
Hops, 343. 

Ho'rdeum decortica'tum, 

587. 
Horehound, 600. 
Horseradish, 513. 
Hot pack, 114. 

— bath, 114. 

Human milk, artificial, 656. 
Hu'mulus, 343. 
Hunyadi Janos, 89, 137. 
Hydragogues, 89. 
Hydra'rgyri chlo'ridum cor- 
rosi'vum, 200. 

— chlo'ridum mi'te, 201. 

— cya'nidum, 202. 

— empla'strum, 199. 

— io'didum fla'vum, 201. 

— io'didum ru'brum, 201. 

— o'xidum fla'vum, 200. 

— o'xidum ru'brum, 199. 



INDEX. 



693 



Hydra'rgyri subsu'lphas 

fla'vus, 203. 
Hydra'rgyrum, 199. 

— ammonia'tum, 202. 

— cum cre'ta, 199. 
Hydrastine, 453. 
Hydrastini'nae hydrochlo'ras, 

454. 
Hydrastinine hydrochlorate, 

454- 
Hydra'stis, 453. 
Hydrated alu'mina, 158. 

— ferric oxide, 182. 
Hydriodic acid, syrup of, 232. 
Hydrobromic acid, diluted, 

241. 

— ether, 283. 
Hydrochloric acid, 248. 
Hydrocotarnine, 326. 
Hydrocyanic acid, diluted, 

127. 
Hydrogen dioxide, solution 
of, 115. 

— peroxide solution, 115. 
Hydrous wool fat, 662. 
Hydroquebrachine, 431. 
Hydroxide, ferric, 182. 

— potassium, 116. 

— sodium, 131. 
Hydrophobia antidote, 674. 
Hygrine, 384. 

Hyosci'naehydrobro'mas, 359. 
Hyoscinehydrobromate, 359. 
Hyoscyami'na? hydrobro'- 

mas, 359. 

— su'lphas, 358. 
Hyoscyamine hydrobromate, 

359- 

— sulphate, 358. 
Hyoscy'amus, 358. 
Hypnal, 293. 
Hypnotics, 101, 290. 
Hypodermatic injections, 37. 
Hypophosphites, 225. 

— syrup of, 225, 

with iron, 225. 

Hypophosphorous acid, di- 
luted, 226. 

TCE BAGS, 114, 

— poultices, 113. 
Iceland moss, 588. 
Ichthyoco'lla, 663. 
Ichthyol, 667. 



Ichthy'oluni, 667. 
Idiosyncrasy, 39. 
Igasuric acid, 367. 
Illi'cium, 521 
Incompatibility, chemical, 40. 

— pharmacological, 42. 

— physical, 42. 
Index, 683. 
India rubber, 634. 

— senna, 465. 
Indian cannabis, 360. 

— hemp, 360. 

— tobacco, 427. 

— sarsaparilla, 645. 
Indifferent bath, 112. 
Indirect action, 45. 
Ineine, 403. 
Infu'sa, 26. 
Infusions, 26. 
Inhalations, 36, 71. 
Inje'ctiones, 36. 
Injections, 36. 
InsufnVtiones, 36. 
Insufflations, 36. 
Intestinal antiseptics, 90. 

— astringents, 90. 
Intestines, drugs acting on, 86. 
Intra-ocular tension, 107. 
I/nula, 430. 

Inulin, 430. 
Iodides, 232. 
Iodine, 229. 

— compound solution of, 229. 

— ointment, 230. 

— tincture of, 230. 
Io'dum, 229. 
Iodoform, 316. 
Iodofo'rmum, 316. 
Iodol, 319. 
Iodo'lum, 319. 
Iodantipyrin, 303. 
Iodopyrin, 303. 
Ipecac, 423. 
Ipecacua'nha, 423. 
Ipecacuanhic acid, 423. 
Iridin, 484. 
Iridi'num, 484. 

Iris, 483. 
Irish moss, 576. 
Irisin, 484. 
Iron, 178. 

— and ammonium acetate, 

solution of, 181. 

— and ammonium citrate, 184. 



Iron and ammonium tartrate, 
184. 

— and potassium tartrate, 

184. 

— and quinine citrate, 185. 
soluble, 185. 

— and strychnine citrate, 184. 

— arsenate, 185. 

— by hydrogen, 178. 

— dialyzed, 186. 

— metallic, 178. 

— mixture, compound, 179. 

— plaster, 182. 

— Quevenne's, 178. 

— quinine, strychnine phos- 

phates, syrup of, 183. 

— reduced, 178. 

— troches of, 182. 

— wood, 431. 
Irritants, 58. 

— gastro-intestinal, 81. 
Isinglass, 663. 
Isolichenin, 538. 
Isopelletierine, 591. 
Itrol, 167. 

Ivy, poison, 624. 
Izal, 316. 

TABORANDI, 390. 
•J — Pernambuco, 390. 

— Rio Janeiro, 390. 
Jaborine, 391. 
Jalap, 473, 
Jala'pa, 473. 
Jalapin, 472, 474. 
Jalapurgin, 473, 474. 
James' powder, 217. 
Jamestown weed, 356. 
Jarish's ointment, 566. 
Jasmine, yellow, 377. 
Jervine, 414. 
Jordan almond, 581. 
Juglandic acid, 464. 
Ju'glans, 464. 
Juices, 37. 

J£AMA'LA, 592. 

Kermes mineral, 217. 
Kinic acid, 434. 
Ki'no, 568. 
Kinoin, 568. 

Kino-tannic acid, 568, 572. 
Kinovic acid, 434. 
Kinovin, 434. 
Kissingen, 137. 



694 



INDEX. 



Ko'la nut 363. 
Kombe poison, 404. 
Kombic acid, 403. 
Kooso, 591. 
Kosin, 591. 
Koumiss, 657. 
Koussin, 591. 
Kousso, 591. 
Krame'ria, 567. 
Kramero-tannic acid, 567. 
Kumyss, 264, 657. 

TABARRAQUE'S solu- 
tion, 228. 
La Bourboule, 194. 
Lac, 656. 

— su'lphuris, 242. 
Lactic acid, 250. 
Lactophenin, 305. 
Lactopheni'num, 305. 
Lactose, 663. 
Lactuca'rium, 344. 
Lactucerina, 344. 
Lactucin, 344. 
Lactucon, 344. 
Lactylparaphenetidine, 305. 
Ladies' slipper, 530. 
Lame'llae, 36. 

Lanolin, 662. 
Lanthropine, 326. 
La'pis divi'nus, 173. 

— inferna'lis, 165. 
La'ppa, 643. 
Larch, 527. 
Lard, 658. 

— benzoinated, 621. 

— oil, 659. 
Larixin, 527. 
Latin phrases, 681. 
Laudanine, 326. 
Laudanosine, 326. 
Laudanum, 328. 
Laurel camphor, 612. 
Laurin, 633. 
Laurocerasin, 620. 
Lauroce'rasus, 620. 
Lavender, oil of, 517. 

— flowers, oil of, 517. 
Law of dissolution, 99. 
Laxatives, 87. 

Lead, 160. 

— acetate, 160 

— carbonate, 161. 
ointment, 161. 



Lead iodide, 161. 
ointment, 162. 

— nitrate, 161. 

— oxide, 160. 

— plaster, 160. 

— poisoning, 163. 

— subacetate, cerate of, 161. 
solution of, 161. 

— sugar of, 160. 

— white, 161. 

— water, 161. 
Leech, 668. 
Leiter's coils, 113. 
Lemon, 618. 

— juice, 618. 

— oil of, 618. 

— peel, 618. 
Leopardsbane, 502. 
Lepta'ndra, 482. 
Leptandrin, 482- 
Levant wormseed, 593. 
Levigation, 15. 
Levico water, 194. 
Lichenin, 588. 
Lichen-stearic acid, 588. 
Light magnesia, 155. 
Li'gnum vi'tse, 638. 
Lime, 149. 

— chlorinated, 228. 

— liniment, 149. 

— phosphate, precipitated, 

150. 

— solution of, 149. 

— syrup of, 149. 

— water, 149. 
Limonine, 518. 
Limo'nis co'rtex, 618. 

— su'ccus, 618. 
Linalyl, 518. 

— acetate, 518. 
Li'nctus, 36. 

— opia'tus, 337. 
Liniment, volatile, 142. 
Linime'nta, 26. 
Liniments, 26. 
Linime'ntum chlorofo'rmi, 

274. 
Linolein, 586. 
Linseed, 586. 

— oil of, 586. 
Li'num, 586. 

Liquid petrola'tum, 260. 
Liqueurs, 264. 
Li'quor ca'lcis, 149. 



Li'quor carbo'nis dete'rgens, 
493- 

— pancrea'ticus, 656. 

— pi'cis carbo'nis, 493. 

— pota'ssae, 117. 

— so'dae, 132. 
Liquo'res, 26. 
Liquorice root, 584. 

— powder, compound, 465. 

— Russian, 584. 
Lister's ointment, 258. 
Litharge, 160. 
Li'thii be'nzoas, 622. 

— bro'midum, 237. 

— ca'rbonas, 146. 

— ci'tras, 146. 

efferve'scens, 146. 

— sali'cylas, 445. 
Lithium, 146. 

— benzoate, 622. 

— bromide, 237. 

— carbonate, 146. 

— citrate, 146. 

effervescent, 146. 

— salicylate, 445. 
Lithontriptics, 65. 

Liver, drugs acting on, 92. 

— of sulphur, 244. 
Lixiviation, 15. 
Lobelacrin, 427. 
Lob'elia, 427. 
Lobeline, 427. 
Local action, 45. 

— anodynes, 97. 

— anaesthetics, 97. 
Loganin, 367. 
Logwood, 569. 
London paste, 150. 
Lo'tio fla'va, 193. 

— n'igra, 206. 

— ru'bra, 171. 

— spi'ritus, 270. 
Lotio'nes, 36. 
Lotions, 36. 
Lugol's solution, 229. 
Lunar caustic, 165. 
Lupulin, 343. 
Lupulinic acid, 343. 
Lupuli'num, 343. 
Lutidine, 382. 
Lycopo'dium, 636. 
Lye, 16. 

Lysol, 316. 
Ly'solum, 316 






INDEX. 



695 



]y[ACE, 510. 

Macene. 510. 
Maceration, 16. 
Macis; 510. 
Madeira, 264. 
Macrotin, 557. 
Magnesia, 155. 

— calcined, 155. 

— heavy, 155. 

— light, 155. 

— pondero'sa, 155. 
Magne'sii ca'rbonas, 154. 

— ci'tras efferve'scens, 354. 
' — sulphas. 154. 

Magne'sium 154. 

— carbonate, 154. 

— citrate effervescent, 154. 
solution of, 154. 

— sulphate, 154. 
Maizenic acid, 599. 
Male fern, 589. 
Malic acid, 627. 
Malt, 587. 
Maltose, 587. 
Ma'ltum, 587. 
Mancona bark, 409. 
Mandrake, 480. 
Manganese, 195. 

— black oxide, 195. 

— dioxide, 195. 

— sulphate, 196. 
Manga'ni dio'xidum, 195. 

— su'lphas, 196. 
Manganous sulphate/ 196. 
Manga'num, 195. 
Manilla elemi, 504. 
Ma'nna, 457. 
Marienbad, 137. 
Marigold, 645. 
Marrubiin, 600. 
Marru'bium, 600. 
Marsden's paste, 214. 
Marshmallow, 579. 
Mass, blue, 199. 

— of copaiba, 541. 

— of ferrous carbonate, 179. 

— Vallet's, 179. 
Ma'ssa copa'ibae, 541. 

— fe'rri carbona'tis, 179. 

— hydr'argyri, 199. 
Ma'ssee, 27. 
Masses, 27. 
Mastic, 634. 
Mastiche, 634. 



Mastichic acid, 634. 
Masticin, 634. 
Mate, 363. 
Mat'eria me'dica, 9. 
Ma'tico. 546. 
Matrica'ria, 526. 
May-apple, 480. 
McDade's formula, 640. 
Measures, 17. 

— domestic, 18. 
Meadow saffron, 609. 
Meat extract, 657. 
Meconic acid, 326, 329. 
Meconidine, 326. 
Meconin, 326. 
Meconoiasin, 326, 
Mel, 650. 

— despuma'tum, 650. 

— ro'sae, 626. 
Me'llita, 27. 
Meli'ssa, 628. 
Menispe'rmum, 642. 
Menispine, 642. 
Mental emotion, 39. 
Me'ntha piperi'ta, 518. 

— vi'ridis, 519. 
Menthene, 519, 520. 
Menthol, 518, 519, 616. 
Mercurial ointment, 199. 

— plaster, 199. 

Mercuric ammonium chlo- 
ride, 202. 

— chloride, corrosive, 200. 

— cyanide, 202. 

— iodide, red, 201. 

— nitrate, ointment of, 202. 
solution of, 202. 

— oxide, red, 199. 

ointment of, 200. 

yellow, 200. 

ointment of, 200. 

— subsulphate, yellow, 203. 

— sulphate, basic, 203. 
Mercurous chloride, mild, 

201. 

— iodide, yellow, 201. 
Mercury, 199. 

— administration of, 209. 

— ammoniated, 202. 
ointment, 202. 

— bichloride, 200. 

— biniodide, 201. 

— chloride, corrosive, 200. 
mild, 201. 



Mercury iodide, green, 201. 

■ red, 201. 

yellow, 201. 

— mass of, 199. 

— oleate of, 200. 

— protiodide of, 201, 

— subchloride, 201. 

— tannate, 210. 

— with chalk, 199. 
Metabolism, drugs acting 

on, no. 
Metadioxybenzol, 321. 
Methyl acetanilid, 304. 

— amine, 636. 

— coniine, 379. 

— pelletierine, 591. 

— pyrocatechin, 314. 

— salicy'las, 450. 

— salicylate, 450. 
Methylene blue, 323. 
Metrical system, 17. 
Mezerein, 504. 
Mezereon, 504. 
Mezere'um, 504. 
Mi'ca pa'nis, 635. 
Michel's paste, 251. 
Milk, 656. 

— artificial human, 656. 

— drugs acting on, 109. 

— drugs excreted by, no. 

— of almond, 581. 

— ofasafetida, 531. 

— of sulphur, 242. 

— peptonized, 656. 

— sugar of, 663. 
Mindererus, spirit of, 145. 
Mistu'ra amy'gdalae, 581. 
Mistu'rse, 27. 
Mixtures, 27. 
Mitigated caustic, 165. 
Molli'num x 36. 
Monkshood, 410. 
Monobromated camphor, 613. 
Monsel's solution, 182. 
Moonseed, Canadian, 642. 
Morphi'na. 329. 
Morphi'nse ace'tas, 330. 

— hydrochlo'ras, 329. 

— sul'phas, 330. 
Morphine, 329. 

— acetate, 330. 

— hydrochlorate, 329. 

— sulphate, 330. 
Mo'ri su'ccus, 630. 



696 



INDEX. 



Morrhuol, 653. 
Morton's fluid, 231. 
Mo'schus, 648. 
Mosquera -Julia beef meal, 

658. 
Moss, Iceland, 588. 

— Irish, 576. 

Motor nerves, drugs acting 

on, 95. 
Moulded silver nitrate, 165. 
Mountain balm, 432. 
Mucilage-, 28. 
Mucila'gines, 28. 
Mulberry juice, 630. 
Muscari'na, 376. 
Muscarine, 376. 
Muriatic acid, 248. 

diluted, 248. 

Muscles, drugs acting on, 

95- 
Musk, 648. 

— toot, 516. 
Mustard, 496. 

— black, 496. 

— paper, 497. 

— white, 496. 
Mutton suet, 661. 
Mydriatics, 106. 
Myosin, 592. 
Myotics, 107. 
My'rcia, oil of, 629. 
Myricin, 664. 
Myri'stica, 509. 
Myristicine, 510. 
Myristicol, 510. 
Myristin, 586. 
Myrosin, 496, 497. 
Myrrh, 533. 
My'rrha, 533. 
Myrrhin, 533. 
Myrrhol, 533. 

J\JAPHTALENE, 319. 

Naphtalin, 319. 
Naphtali'num, 319. 
Naphtol, 320. 
Narceine, 326, 341. 
Narcotics, 102. 
Narcotine, 326, 341. 
Nativelle's digitalin, 395. 
Natural orders, 660. 
Ne'bulae. 36. 
Necta'ndra, 452. 
Nectandrine, 452. 



Neroli, oil of, 560. 

Nerves, drugs acting on, 95, 

378. 
Neuritis, drugs causing, 98. 
Nicotine, 381. 

Night blooming cereus, 418. 
Nightshade, deadly, 345. 

— woody, 601. 
Nitric acid, 247. 

diluted, 247. 

Nitrites, 285. 
Nitre, 124. 

— sweet spirit of, 285. 
Nitroglycerin, 289. 

— spirit of, 289. 
Nitrohydrochloric acid, 247. 

diluted, 247. 

Nitromuriatic acid, 247. 

diluted, 247. 

Nitrous ether, spirit of, 285. 
Norwood's tincture, 414. 
Nucin, 464. 

Nutgall, 561. 
Nutmeg, 509. 
Nux vo'mica, 366. 

QAK bark, 561. 
— poison, 624. 

— white, 561. 
CE'sypum, 662. 

Oil of allspice, 508. 

— almond, expressed. 581. 

— American wormseed, 595. 

— anise, 521. 

— bay, 629. 

— benne, 630. 

— bergamot, 518. 

— betula, volatile, 450. 

— bitter almond, 580. 

— cade, 493. 

— cajuput, 499. 

— caraway, 523. 

— carron, 149. 

— cassia, 512. 

— castor, 459. 

— chamomile, 526. 

— chaulmoogra, 647. 

— chenopodium, 595. 

— cinnamon, 512. 

— cloves, 506. 

— cod liver, 653. 

— copaiba, 541. 

— coriander, 522. 

— cotton seed, 633. 



Oil croton, 475. 

— of cubeb, 544. 

— dill, 524. 

— erigeron, 491. 

— ethereal, 280. 

— eucalyptus, 500. 

— eulachon, 653. 

— fennel, 523. 

— firwood, 537. 

— flaxseed, 586. 

— fleabane, 491. 

— fusel, 272. 

— gaultheria, 450. 

— hedeoma, 525. 

— juniper, 538. 

— lard, 659. 

— lavender, 517. 
flowers, 517. 

— lemon, 618. 

— linseed, 586. 

— mustard, volatile, 497. 

— myrcia, 629. 

— neroli, 560. 

— nutmeg, 510. 
expressed, 510. 

— olive, 574, 603. 

— orange flowers, 560. 
peel, 559. 

— pennyroyal, 525. 

— peppermint, 519. 

Chinese, 616. 

Japanese, 616. 

— phosphorated, 223. 

— pimenta, 508. 

— rose, 626. 

— rosemary, 502. 

— me, 549. 

— sandal wood, 545. 

— santal, 545. 

— sassafras, 644. 

— savine, 547. 

— sesame, 630. 

— sweet, 574. 

— spearmint, 520. 

— sweet birch, 450. 

— tar, 492. 

— teel, 630. 

— theobroma, 633. 

— thyme, 543. 

— turpentine, 486. 
rectified, 487. 

— vitriol, 246. 

— wintergreen, 450. 
artificial, 450. 



INDEX. 



697 



Oil of wintergreen, synthetic, 

45o. 
Oils, 28. 

— essential, 13. 

— fixed, 12. 

— nitrogenated, 14. 

— oxygenated, 14. 

— sulphurated, 14. 

— volatile, 13. 
Ointments, 34. 
O'lea, 28. 
Olea'ta, 28. 

Oleate of mercury, 200, 

— veratrine, 417. 

— zinc, 170. 
Oleates, 28. 

Olea'tum hydra'rgyri, 200. 

— veratri'nae, 417. 

— zi'nci, 170. 
Oleic acid, 578. 

Olein, 574, 633, 653, 661. 
Oleoresins, 14. 
O'leum a'dipis, 659. 

— aethe'reum, 280. 

— amy'gdala; ama'ras, 580. 
expre'ssum, 581. 

— ane'thi, 524. 

— ani'si, 521. 

— anthe'midis, 526. 

— aura'ntii co'rticis, 559. 
flo'rum, 560. 

— berga'mii, 518. 

— bergamo'ttae, 518. 

— be'tulaa vola'tile, 450. 

— cadi'num, 493. 

— cajupu'ti, 499. 

— ca'ri, 523. 

— caryu'phylli, 506. 

— chenopo'dii, 595. 

— cinnamo'mi, 512. 

— copai'bae, 541. 

— coria'ndri, 522. 

— cube'bae, 544. 

— erigero'ntis, 491. 

— eucaly'pti, 500. 

— fceni'culi, 523. 

— gaulthe'riae, 450. 

— gossy'pii se'minis, 633 

— gynoca'rdiae, 647. 

— hede'omae, 525. 

— je coris ase'lli, 653. 
— juni'peri, 538. 

empyreuma'ticum, 493. 

— lave'ndulae, 517. 



Oleum lavendulse flo'rum, S17. 

— limo'nis, 618. 

— li'ni, 586. 

— me'nthae piperi'tas, 518. 
vi'ridis, 520. 

— mo'rrhuje, 653. 

— my'rciae, 629. 

— myri'sticEe, 510. 
expie'ssum, 510. 

— oli'vae, 574. 

— phosphora'tum, 223. 

— pi'cis li'quidse, 492. 

— pime'ntse, 508. 

— pi'ni sylves'tris, 537. 

— ri'cini, 459. 

— ro'sae, 626. 

— rosmar'ini, 502. 

— ru'tse, 549. 

— sabi'naa, 547. 

— sa'ntali, 545. 

— sa'ssafras, 644. 

— se'sami, 630. 

— si'napis vola'tile, 497. 

— terebi'nthinas, 486. 
rectifica'tum, 487. 

— theobro'matis, 633. 

— thy'mi, 543. 

— ti'ghi, 475- 
Olive oil, 574. 
Ophelic acid, 555. 
O'pii pu'lvis, 327. 
Opium, 325. 

— Constantinople, 326. 

— Egyptian, 326. 

— Levant, 326. 

— Patna, 326. 

— Smyrna, 326. 

— Turkey, 326. 
Opodeldoc, 575. 
Orange peel, 558. 

— bitter, 558. 

— oil of, 559. 

— sweet, 559. 
Ordeal bark, 409. 
Organic extracts, 669. 
Organs of generation, drugs 

acting on, 108. 
Ouabain, 390. 
Ouabai'num, 390. 
O'vi a'lbumen, 660. 
Oxgall, 649. 

— purified, 649. 
Oxymel, 600. 
Oxyme'llita, 36. 



Oxynarcotine, 326. 
Oxytocics, 108. 
Oxytoluyltropine, 355. 

pACK, cold, 113. 

— hot, 114. 
Pale rose, 626. 
Palmitic acid, 659. 
Palmitin, 574, 586, 633, 653, 

66r. 
Panama wood, 637. 
Pancreatin, 652. 
Pancreati'num, 652. 
Papa'ver, 622. 
Papaverine, 326. 
Paper, mustard, 497. 

— potassium nitrate, 124. 
Papers, 20. 

Para-acetphenetidin, 303. 
Paraguay tea, 363; 
Paraldehyde, 296. 
Paraldehy'dum, 296. 
Paramorphine, 341. 
Para rubber, 634. 
Parasiticides, 49. 
Paregoric, 328. 
Pare'ira, 601. 

— brava, 60 r. 
Pariglin, 641. 
Pari'lla, yellow, 642. 
Parillin, 641. 
Parillinic acid, 641. 
Paris green, 215. 
Parish's food, 195. 
Parvoline, 382. 
Paste, 36. 

— Coster's, 232. 

— London, 150. 

— Marsden's, 214. 

— Ricord's, 251. 

— Vienna, 117. 
Pasti'llus, 36. 
Pastils, 36. 
Pearl ash, 132. 
Pearl barley, 587. 
Pearson's solution, 212. 
Pellitory, 505. 
Pelletierine, 591. 
Pelosine, 600. 
Pellotine, 345. 
Pelloti'num, 345. 
Pennyroyal, 525. 
Pental, 284. 
Pe'ntalum, 284. 



698 



INDEX. 



Pe'po, 592. 
Pepper, 508. 

— African, 513. 

— black, 508. 

— cayenne, 513. 

— guinea, 513. 
Peppermint, 518. 
Pepsin, 650. 

— saccharated, 651. 
Pepsi'num, 650. 

— sacchara'tum, 651. 
Peptonized milk, 656. , \/ 
Percolation, 16. 

Pe'rles, 36. 

Pernambuco Jaborandi, 390. 

Pessaries, 36. 

Pe'ssus, 36. 

Petrola'tum, 260. 

— hard, 261. 

— liquid, 260. 

— li'quidum, 260. 

— mo'lle, 260. 

— soft, 260. 

— spi'ssum, 261. 
Petroleum benzin, 261. 

— ether, 261. 

— ointment, soft, 260. 

hard, 261. 

Phseoretin, 461. 
Pharmaceutical processes, 15. 
Pharmacognosy, definition, 9. 
Pharmacological incompati- 
bility, 42. 

Pharmacology, definition, 

9.37- 
Pharmacopoeia, definition, 
10. 

— preparations of the, 19. 
Pharmaco-dynamics, 10. 
Pharmacy, definition, 10. 
Phenacetin, 303. 
Phenaceti'num, 303. 
Phenazo'num, 302. 
Phenic acid, 307. 
Phenocoll hydrochloride, 30;. 
Phenoco'lli hydrochlo'ridum, 

305. 
Phenol, 307, 492. 
Phenylacetamide, 299. 

— dimethylpyrazolone, 302. 

— alcohol, 307. 

— propylcinnamate, 536. 

— salicylate, 451. 
Physical incompatibility, 42. 



Phosphorated oil, 223. 
Phosphoric acid, 248. 

diluted, 248. 

Pho'sphorus, 222. 

— elixir of, 223. 

— pills of, 223. 

— spirit of, 223. 
Physosti'gma, 372. 
Physostigmi'nae salicy'Ias, 

373- 

— su'lphas, 373. 
Physostigmine, 372. 
Physostigmine salicylate, 

373- 

— sulphate, 373. 
Phytolacca, 458. 

— fruit, 458. 

— root, 458. 
Phytolaccic acid, 458. 
Phytolaccin, 458. 
Pichi, 602. 
Picoline, 382. 
Picro-aconitine, 410. 

— crocin, 631. 

— podophyllin, 481. 
Picrotoxin, 596. 
Picrotoxi'num, 596. 
Pills, 29. 

— of aloes, 469. 

and asafetida, 469. 

and mastic, 469. 

and myrrh, 469. 

— antimony, compound, 201. 

— asafetida, 531. 

— Blaud's, 179. 

— blue, 199. 

— cathartic, compound, 201. 
vegetable, 478. 

— chalybeate, 179. 

— ferrous carbonate, 179. 
iodide, 180. 

— ferruginous, 179. 

— opium, 327. 

— phosphorus, 223. 

— Plummer's, 201. 

— rhubarb, 462. 
compound, 462. 

— saccharated iron carbon- 

ate, 180. 
Pilocarpidine, 391. 
Pilocarpi'nse hydrochlo'ras, 

39 1 - 

— hydrochlorate, 391. 
Pilocarpine, 391. 



Pilocarpus, 390. 
Pi'lula hydra'rgyri, 199. 
Pi'lulse, 29. 
Pime'nta, 508. 
Pink, Carolina, 594. 
Pink root, 594. 
Pinene, 629. 
Pi'nus la'rix, 527. 
Pi'per, 508. 
Piperidine, 509. 
Piperazidine, 324. 
Piperazine, 324. 
Pipera'zinum, 324. 
Piperin, 508, 509. 
Piperi'num, 509. 
Piperonylic acid, 573. 
Pipsi'ssewa, 602. 
Pitch, Burgundy, 494. 

plaster, 494. 

cantharidal, 494. 

Pix Burgu'ndica, 494. 

— li'quida, 492. 

Plasma, drugs acting on, 49. 
Plaster, adhesive, 495. 

— diachylon, 160. 

— lead, 160. 

— of Paris, 151. 
Plasters, 21. 
Piatt's chlorides, 169. 
Pleurisy root, 429. 
Plu'mbi ace'tas, 160. 

— ca'rbonas, 161. 

— io'didum, 161. 

— ni'tras, 161. 

— o'xidum, 160. 
Plu'mbum, 160. 
Plummer's pills, 201. 
Pneumogastric, drugs acting 

on, 55. 
Podophyllin, 480. 
Podophyllinic acid, 480, 481. 
Podophyllum, 480. 
Podophyllotoxin, 481. 
Poison ivy. 624. 

— nut, 366. 

— oak, 624. 
Poke berry, 458. 

— root, 458. 
Polychroite, 631. 
Pomegranate, 590. 
Poppy capsules, 335. 

— petals, red, 622. 
Port, 264. 
Porter, 264. 



INDEX. 



099 



Posology, 38. 
Potash, caustic, 116. 

— yellow prussiate of, 129. 
Pota'ssa, 116. 

— cum ca'lce, 117. 

— solution of, 1x7. 

— sulphura'ta, 244. 

— with lime, 117. 
Pota'ssii ace'tas, 120. 

— bica'rbonas, 119. 

— bichro'mas, 131. 

— bita'rtras, 123. 

— bro'midum, 236. 

— ca'rbonas, 119. 

— chlo'ras, 125. 

— ci'tras, 120. 

efferve'scens, 121. 

— cya'nidum, 127. 

— et so'dii ta'rtras, 136. 

— ferrocya'nidum, 127. 

— hypopho'sphis, 225. 

— io'didum, 232. 

— ni'tras, 125. 

— perma'nganas, 196. 

— su'lphas, 122. 
Potassio-ferric tartrate, 184. 
Pota'ssium, 116. 

— acetate, 120. 

— alum, 157. 

— and sodium tartrate, 136. 

— arsenite, solution of, 212. 

— bicarbonate, 119. 

— bichromate, 131. 

— bitartrate, 123. 

— bromide, 236. 

— cantharidinate, 667. 

— carbonate, 119. 

— chlorate, 125. 
troches of, 125. 

— citrate, 120. 

effervescent, 121. 

solution of, 121. 

— cyanide, 127. 

— dichromate, 131. 

— ferrocyanide, 127. 

— hydrate, 116. 
solution of, 117. 

— hydroxide, 116. 

— hypophosphite, 225. 

— iodide, 232. 

ointment of, 232. 

— oleate, 575. 

— nitrate, 124. 
paper, 124. 



Pota'ssium permanganate, 
196. 

— sulphate, 122. 

— tartrate, acid, 123. 
Powder, antimonial, 217. 

— aromatic, 511. 

— compound chalk, 148. 

effervescent, 136. 

glycyrrhiza, 465. 

jalap, 473. 

morphine, 325. 

— Dover's, 327. 

— ipecac and opium, 327. 

— James', 217. 

— opium, 327. 

— Seidlitz, 136. 

— Tuliy's, 330. 
Powders, 30. 
Poultices, 35. 
Precipitate, red, 199. 

— white, 202. 

Precipitated calcium carbon- 
ate, 148. 

phosphate, 150. 

— sulphur, 242. 
Preface, 5. 
Preparations, standardized, 18 

— pharmacopceial, 19. 
Prepared chalk, 147. 
Prescribing, 40. 
Prescription, 43. 
Prickly ash, 640. 
Primary action, 45. 
Prince's pine, 602. 
Proof spirit, 262. 
Propenyl trinitrate, 289. 
Protopine, 326, 422, 483. 
Prune, 455. 
Pru'num, 455. 

Pru'nus Virginia'na, 619. 
Prussiate of potash, yellow, 

127. 
Prussic acid, 127. 
Pseudo-aconitine, 410. 

— aconine, 410. 

— jervine, 414. 

— morphine, 326. 

— pelletierine, 591. 
Pterocarpin, 631. 
Pullna, 89, 137. 
Pulsatilla, 422. 

Pu'lvis antimo'nialis, 217. 

— aroma'ticus, 511. 

— cre'tae compo'situs, 148. 



Pu'lvis efferve'scens compo'- 
situs, 136. 

— glycyrrhi'zae compo'situs, 

465- 

— ipecacua'nhas et o'pii, 327, 

— jala'pae compo'situs, 473. 

— morphi'nse compo'situs, 
33°- 

— pu'rgans, 473. 

— rhe'i compo'situs, 462. 

— salicy'licus cum ta'lco, 

449- 
Pu'lveres, 30. 
Pumpkin seed, 592. 
Punicotannic acid, 591. 
Pupil, drugs acting on, 105. 
Purgatives, 87, 455, 649. 

— drastic, 88. 

— saline, 89. 

— simple, 88. 
Purging cassia, 457. 
Purified cotton, 632. 

— oxgall, 649. 
Pustulants, 58. 
Pyre'thrum, 505. 
Pyridine, 381. 
Pyrocatechin, 568, 572. 
Pyrogallic acid, 565. 
Pyrogallol, 565. 
Pyroxylin, 632. 
Pyroxyli'num, 632. 

QUAKER BUTTON, 366. 
**^ Qua'ssia, 553. 
Quassiin, 553. 
Quebrachamine, 431. 
Quebracho, 431. 
Queen's delight, 642. 

— root, 642. 
Quercin, 561. 
Quercitannic acid, 561. 
Quercite, 561. 
Quercitrin, 625. 
Que'rcus a'lba, 561. 
Quevenne's digitalin, 395. 

— iron, 178. 
Quicksilver, 199. 
Quillaic acid, 637. 
Quilla'ja, 637. 
Quinamine, 434. 
Quinidi'nse su'lphas, 437. 
Quinidine, 434. 

— sulphate, 437. 
Quinic acid, 434. 



700 



INDEX. 



Quini'na, 435. 

Quini'nse bisu'lphas, 436. 

— hydrobro'mas, 437. 

— hydrochlc/ras, 437. 

— su'lphas, 436. 

— valeria'nas, 529. 
Quinine, 434, 435. 

— bisulphate, 436. 

— carbamide, 443. 

— hydrobromate, 437. 

— hydrochlorate, 437. 

— sulphate, 436. 

— valerianate, 529. 
Quinovic acid, 434. 
Quinovin, 434. 

jD AISINS, 589. 

Rash, drugs producing, 

63. 
Raspberry, 628. 
Rate of excretion, 39. 
Rational therapeutics, 9. 
Rectified oil of turpentine, 

487. 
Red corpuscles, drugs acting 

on, 50. 

— cinchona, 435. 

— gum, 572. 

— lotion, 171. 

— precipitate, T99. 

— poppy petals, 632. 

— rose, 625. 

— saunders, 631. 

— scale insect, 660 

— wine, 263. 
Reduced iron, 178. 
Refrigerants, 78. 
Remote action, 45. 
Remijia bark, 434. 
Resin, 495. 

— of copaiba, 541. 

— of jalap, 474. 

— of podophyllin, 481. 

— of scammony, 472. 

— soap, 495. 
Resi'na, 495. 
Resins, 14. 
Resorcin, 321. 
Resorcinol, 321. 
Resorci'num, 321. 
Respiration, drugs acting on, 

7i- 
Respiratory centre, drugs 
acting on, 72. 



Respiratory depressants, 72. 

— disinfectants, 72. 

— stimulants, 72. 
Rha'mnus purshia'na, 467. 
Rhamnose, 467. 
Rhatanin, 567. 
Rhatany, 567. 
Rheotannic acid, 461. 
Rhe'um, 461. 

Rhein, 461, 624. 
Rhine wine, 266. 
Rhodinal, 626. 
Rhoe'ados pe'tala, 632. 
Rhceadine, 326. 
Rhubarb, 461. 
Ricinine, 459. 
Ricinolein, 459. 
Rhus gla'bra, 572. 

— toxicodendron, 624. 
Richfield Springs, 244. 
Ricord's paste, 251. 

Rio Janeiro jaborandi, 390. 
Rise of temperature, drugs 

causing, 70. 
Rochelle salt, 136. 
Ro'sa, 625. 

— ga'llica, 625. 

— centifo'lia, 626. 

— cani'na, 627. 
Rose, 625. 

— attar of, 626. 

— dog, 627. 

— pale, 626. 

— red, 625. 

— water, 626. 
Rosemary, 502. 

— oil of, 502. 
Rosin, 495. 
Rottle'ra, 592. 
Rottlerin, 592. 
Rubber, India, 634. 

— Para, 634. 
Rubefacients, 58. 
Rubidine, 382. 
Rubijervine, 414. 
Rubinat, 89. 

— Condal, 137. 
Ru'bus, 571. 

— idae'us, 628. 
Rusbyine, 432. 
Rush's thunderbolt, 474. 
Rum, 264. 

Ru'mex, 572. 
Rumicin, 572. 



Russian liquorice, 584. 
Rutin, 540. 

gABI'NA,547. 

Saccharated ferrous car. 
bonate, 180. 

— ferrous iodide 180. 

— pepsin, 651. 
Saccharin, 323. 
Sacchari'num, 323. 
Sa'ccharum, 627. 

— la'ctis, 663. 
Sacred bark, 467. 
Saffron, 631. 

— meadow, 609. 
Sage, 629. 

Saigon cinnamon, 511. 
Sal alembroth, 208. 

— ammoniac, 144. 

— soda, 133. 

— volatile, 143. 
Salicin, 444. 
Salici'num, 444. 
Salicylic acid, 445. 

— ether of phenol, 451. 
Salicylism, 448. 
Saline purgatives, 89. 
Salipyrin, 303. 

Salivary glands, drugs acting 

on, 76. 
Salol, 451. 
Salophen, 452. 
Salt, common, 137. 

— Epsom, 154. 

— Glauber's, 135. 

— Rochelle, 136. 
Salts of tartar, 119. 
Saltpetre, 124. 
Sa'lvia, 629. 
Salviol, 629. 
Sambu'cus, 524. 
Sandalwood, oil of, 545. 
Sanguina'ria, 421. 
Sanguinarine, 422, 483. 
Sanitas, 489. 

Santal, 631. 

— oil of, 545. 
Santalal, 545. 
Santalin, 631. 
Santalol, 545. 
Sa'ntalum ru'brum, 631. 
Santo'nica, 593. 
Santonin, 593. 
Santoni'num, 593. 



INDEX. 



701 



Sa'po, 574. 

— anima'lis, 661. 

— mo'llis, 575. 

— vi'ridis, 575. 
Sapogenin, 420. 

Saponin, 365, 395, 420, 607, 

637. 
Sapotoxin, 637. 
Sarsapari'lla, 640. 

— Indian, 645. 
Sa'ssafras, 643. 

— medu'lla, 644. 

— oil of, 644. 

— pith, 644. 
Sassy bark, 409. 
Saunders, red, 631. 
Savanilla rhatany, 567. 
Savine, 547. 

. Scaling, 16. 
Scammonin, 472, 474. 
Scammo'nium, 472. 
Scammony, 472. 
Scheele's prussic acid, 127. 

— green, 315. 

Schleich's infiltration, 387. 
Schweinfurth's green, 215. 
Sci'lla, 406. 

Scillin, 406. 
Scillipicrin, 406. 
Scillitoxin, 406. 
Sclerotinic acid, 603. 
Scoparin, 407. 
Scopa'rius, 407. 
Scopolamine, 358. 
Scullcap, 646. 
Scutellaria, 646. 
Sea onion, 406. 
Secondary action, 45. 
Secretion of milk, drugs act- 
ing on, 109. 
Sedatives, gastric, 82. 
Seidlitz powder, 136. 

— water, 137. 
Se'nega, 420. 

— root, 420. 
Senegin, 420. 
Se'nna, 464. 

— Alexandria, 464. 

— Tinnivelly, 464. 

— India, 465. 
Sennacrol,465. 
Sennapicrin, 457, 465. 
Sensory nerves, drugs acting 

on, 96. 



Serpenta'ria, 556. 
Sesame, oil of, 630. 
Se'vum, 661. 
Sherry, 264. 
Sialogogues, 76. 
Siddhi, 361. 
Silver, 165. 

— caseinate, 167. 

— citrate, 167. 

— cyanide, 166. 

— iodide, 166. 

— nitrate, 165. 

■ diluted, 165. 

moulded, 165. 

— oxide, 165. 
Sinalbin, 496. 
Sinapin sulphate, 496. 
Si'napis, 496. 

— a'lba, 496. 

— ni'gra, 496. 
Sinigrin, 496, 497. 

Skin, drugs acting on, 61. 
Slippery elm bark, 583. 
Smilacin, 641. 
Snakeroot, black, 557. 

— senega, 420. 

— Virginia, 556. 
Soap, 574. 

— bark, 637. 

— constitution of, 13. 

— curd, 66 1 . 

— green, 575. 

— hard, 574. 

— lees, 132. 

— soft, 574. 

— white castile, 574. 
Socaloin, 470. 
Socotrine aloes, 468. 
Soda, 131, 133. 

— baking, 133. 

— caustic, 131. 

— solution of, 132. 

— washing, 133. 

— tartrated, 136. 
So'dii ace'tas, 140. 

— a'rsenas, 212. 

— be'nzoas, 622. 

— bica'rbonas, 133. 

— bisu'lphis, 138. 

— bo'ras, 256. 

— bro'midum, 237. 

— ca'rbonas, 133. 
exsicca'tus, 133. 

— chlo'ras, 140. 



So'dii chlo'ridum, 137. 

— e' thy las, 141. 

— hypopho'sphis, 225. 

— hyposu'lphis, 139. 

— io'didum, 232. 

— ni'tras, 139. 

— ni'tris, 285. 

— pho'sphas, 135. 

— pyropho'sphas, 140. 

— salicy las, 445. 

— su'lphas, 135. 

— su'Iphis, 138. 

— sulphoca'rbolas, 311. 

— valeria'nas, 528. 
Sodium, 131. 

— acetate, 140. 

— arsenate, 212. 
solution of, 212. 

— benzoate, 622. 

— bicarbonate, 133. 
troches, 134. 

— bisulphite, 138. 

— borate, 256. 

— bromide, 237. 

— carbonate, 1 ^3. 
dried, 133. 

— chlorate, 140. 

— chloride, 137. 

— ethylate, 141. 

— hydrate, 131. 
solution, 131. 

— hydroxide, 131. 

— hypophosphite, 225. 

— hyposulphite, 139. 

— iodide, 232. 

— nitrate, 139. 

— nitrite, 285. 

— oleate, 574. 

— orthophosphate, 135. 

— paraphenolsulphonate, 311. 

— phosphate, 135. 

— pyrophosphate, 140. 

— salicylate, 445. 

— sesquicarbonate, 133. 

— sulphate, 135. 

— sulphite, 138. 

— sulphocarbolate, 311. 

— thiosulphate, 139. 

— valerianate, 528. 
Soft petrola'tum, 260. 

— petroleum ointment, 260. 

— soap, 575. 

liniment, 575. 

Solanine, 601. 



•02 



INDEX. 



Solidified copaiba, 541. 
Soporifics, 325. 
Soja bean, 588. 
Sorghum, 627. 
Spanish flies, 665. 
Spearmint, 520. 
Spartei'nse su'lphas, 407. 
Sparteine, 407. 

— sulphate, 407. 
Spermace'ti, 659. 
Spige'lia, 594. 
Spigeline, 595. 

Spinal cord, drugs acting on, 

98, 366. 
Spindle tree, 484. 
Sphacelic acid/603. 
Sphacelotoxin, 603. 
Spirit of nitrous ether, 285. 

— mindere'rus, 145. 

— of wine, 262. 
Spirits, 31, 264. 
Spi'ritus, 31. 

— ae'theris nitro'si, 285. 

— frume'nti, 263. 

— rectifica'tus, 264. 

— te'nuior, 264. 

— vi'ni ga'llici, 263. 
Sponging, cold, 113. 

— hot, 114. 
Spotted hemlock, 378. 
Sprays, 36. 

Squaw root; 607. 
Squill, 406. 

— compound syrup of, 218. 
Squirting cucumber, 478. 
Standardizing, 16. 
Staphisa'gria, 596. 
Staphisagrine, 596. 

Star anise, 521. 
Starch, 635. 
Stavesacre, 596. 
Stearic acid, 661. 
Stearin, 633, 661. 
Stearoptens, 14, 612. 
Stilli'ngia, 642. 
Stimulants, cerebral, 100. 

— hepatic, 92. 
Stinkweed, 356. 
Stomach, drugs acting on, 78. 
Stomachics, 78. 

Sto'rax, 536. 
Storesin, 536. 
Stout, 264. 
Stramo'nium, 356. 



Stramo'nii fo'lia, 357. 

— se'men, 356. 
Strengthening plaster, 182. 
Streptococcus antitoxin, 673. 
Stro'ntii bro'midum, 238. 

— k/didum, 233. 

— la'ctas, 152. 
Stro'ntium, 152. 

— bromide, 238. 

— iodide, 233. 

— lactate, 152. 
Strophanthidin, 403. 
Strophanthin, 403. 
Stropha'nthus, 403. 

— kombfe, 403. 
Strychni'na, 367. 
Strychni'nae su'lphas, 368. 
Strychnine, 367. 

— sulphate, 368. 
Styptic collodion, 562. 
Styptics, 60. 
Styracin, 536. 
Styrax, 536. 

Styrol, 536. 

Sublimate, corrosive, 200. 

Sublimed sulphur, 242. 

Su'cci, 37. 

Sudorifics, 62. 

Suet, 661. 

— mutton, 661. 
Sugar, 627. 

— cane, 627. 

■ — drugs causing it in urine, 
67. 

— of milk, 663. 

— of lead, 160. 
Sulphonal, 297. 
Sulphona'lum, 297. 
Su'lphur, 242. . 

— flowers of, 242. 

— iodide, 245. 

— liver of, 244. 

— lo'tum, 242. 

— milk of, 242. 

— ointment, 242. 

— precipitated, 242. 

— precipita'tum, 242. 

— sublima'tum, 242. 

— sublimed, 242. 

— vegetable, 636. 

— washed, 242. 
Sulphuric acid, 246. 

aromatic, 247. 

diluted, 247 . 



Sulphuric ether, 280. 
Sulphurated lime, 244. 
— ■ potassa, 244. 

— antimony, 216, 217. 
Su'lphuris io'didum, 245. 
Sulphurous acid, 255. 
Sumach, 570. 
Sumatra camphor, 613. 
Sumbul, 516. 
Sumbulic acid, 516. 
Supposito'ria, 31. 
Suppositories, 31. 
Suprarenal extract, 670. 
Sweet almond, 581. 

— flag, 551. 

— oil, 574. 

— orange peel, 559. 

— spirit of nitre, 285. 
Sydenham's laudanum, 327. 
Sylvacrol, 642. 
Symbols, 16. 
Sympathetic system, drugs 

acting on, 107. 
Synthetic oil of wintergreen, 

45o. 
Syrup, 627. 
Sy'rupi, 31. 
Syrups, 31. 
Sy'rupus, 627. 

— sci'lke compo'situs, 218. 

— hypophosphi'tum cum 

fe'rro, 226. 

HTABA'CUM, 381. 

Tabe'llge, 37. 
Tamar indien, 466. 
Tamarind, 456. 
Tamar'indus, 456. 
Tanacetin, 548. 
Tanace'tum, 548. 
Tannalbin, 564. 
Tannic acid, 561, 562, 569, 

57°, 57'. 572. 
Tannigen, 564. 
Tannin, 562. 
Tansy, 548. 
Tar, 492. 
Tarasp, 137. 
Taraxacin, 558. 
Taraxacerin, 558. 
Tara'xacum, 558. 
Tartar emetic, 218. 

— cream of, 123. 

— salts of, 119. 



INDEX. 



703 



Tartaric acid, 250. 
Tartrated antimony, 218. 
Tea, 363. 
Teel oil, 630. 

Teeth, drugs acting on, 75. 
Tepid bath, 114. 
Terebene, 490. 
Terebe'num, 490. 
Terebi'nthina, 486. 

— canade'nsis, 496. 
Terpenes, 14. 
Terpin hydrate, 491. 
Terpi'ni hy'dras, 491. 
Tertiary amylic alcohol, 295. 
Testicular juice, 671. 
Tetanocannabine, 361. 
Tetanus antitoxin, 674. 
Tetraiodopyrrol, 319. 
Tetronal, 298. 
Tetramethylthionin chloride, 

323- 
Thalli'nae su'lphas, 306. 
Thalline sulphate, 306. 
Thebaine, 326,341. 
Thebolactic acid, 326. 
Theine, 362. 
Theobro'ma, oil of, 579. 
Theobromi'nae sodio-salicy'- 

las, 366. 
Theobromine sodio-salicylate, 

366. 
Therapeutics, 37. 

— definition of, 9. 

— general, 9. 

— rational, 9. 

— empirical, 9. 

— experimental, 10. 
Therapo dynamics, 10. 
Thermogenesis, 68. 
Thermolysis, 68. 
Thermotaxis, 68. 
Theri'aca, 627. 
Thiol, 668. 

Thiersch's solution, 258. 
Thompson's fluid, 258. 

— solution, 223. 
Thorn-apple, 356. 
Thoroughwort, 458. 
Thus America'num, 495. 
Thyme, oil of, 543. 
Thymene, 543. 
Thymol, 616. 
Thyroid extract, 669. 
Tiglinic acid, 475. 



Tinctu'ra antiperio'dica, 444. 

— carminati'va, 516. 

— chlorofo'rmi et morphi'nae, 

274. 

— ergo'tae ammonia'ta, 604. 

— sa'ponis vi'ridis, 575. 
Tinctu'rte, 32. 
Tinctures, 32. 
Tobacco, 381. 

— Indian, 427. 
Tolu, balsam of, 535. 
Toluene, 536. 
Tonga, 646. 
Tongine, 646. 

Tonic, definition of, no. 
Toxicodendric acid, 625. 
Toxicology, definition of, 10. 
Tragacanth, 582. 
Tragaca'ntha, 582. 
Treacle, 627. 
Tribromomethane, 284. 
Trimethylethylene, 264. 
Trinitrin, 289. 
Trional, 298. 
Triona'Ium, 298. 
Triple orange flower water, 
560. 

— rose water, 626. 
Triticin, 600. 
Tri'ticum, 600. 
Trituratio'nes, 34. 
Triturations, 34. 
Troches, 34. 
Trochi'sci, 34. 
Tropine, 355. 
Trousseau's pill, 172. 
Trunks of nerves, drugs act- 
ing on, 97. 

Tully's powder, 330. 
Turpentine, 486, 527. 

— Canada, 496. 

— liniment, 487. 

— rectified oil of, 487. 
Turpeth mineral, 203. 

JJ'LMUS, 583. 

Ungue'nta, 34. 
Ungue'ntummetallo'rum, 171. 
United States Pharmaco- 
poeia, 11. 
Urari, 384. 

Urea, drugs acting on, 93. 
Urethane, 298. 
Uretha'num, 298. 



Urethra, drugs acting on, 67^ 
Urinary system, drugs acting 
on, 63. 

— sedatives, 67. 

— antiseptics, 66. 

Urine, composition altered, 
66. 

— increased, 6t,. 

— diminished, 65. 

— rendered acid, 65. 

alkaline, 65. 

aseptic, 66. 

Uterus, drugs acting on, 108. 
Uterine action, substances 

which depress, 109. 
U'va u'rsi, 597. 
U'vse, 589. 

■yAGUS centre, drugs act- 
ing on, 55. 
Valerian, 527. 
Valeria'na, 527. 
Valerianic acid, 516, 524, 527, 

608. 
Valerol, 343. 
Vallet's mass, 179. 
Vani'lla, 629. 
Vanillin, 536, 629. 
Vapo'res, 37. 
Vascular irritants, 58 . 
Vaseli'num, 37. 
Vaso motor centre, drugs 

acting on, 59. 
Vegetable cathartic pills, 478. 

— drugs, 325. 

— mercury, 482. 

— natural orders, 660. 

— sulphur, 636. 
Veratri'na, 416. 
Veratrine, 416. 
Veratroidine, 414. 
Vera'trum vi'ride, 414. 
Vermicides, 48. 
Vermifuges, 48. 
Vesicants, 58. 

Vessels, drugs acting on, 56. 
Viburnin, 607. 
Vibu'rnum o'pulus, 608. 

— prunifo'lium, 607. 
Vienna caustic, 117. 

— paste, 117. 
Villacabras, 89, 137. 
Villosin, 571. 
Vi'na, 34. 



704 



INDEX. 



Vinegars, 19. 
Vi'num, 263. 

— antimo'nii, 218. 

— a'lbum, 263. 
fc/rtius, 264. ' 

— aura'ntii, 264. 

— ru'brum, 263. 
Virginia snake root, 556. 
Vitellin, 592. 
Vite'llus, 659. 

Vitriol, blue, 172. 

— elixir of, 247. 

— green, 178. 

— oil of, 246. 

— white, 169. 
Vittel, 149. 
Volatile liniment, 142. 

— oils, 13, 485. 

— oil of betula, 450. 

— oil of mustard, 497. 
Vulcanite, 634. 

Vy AHOO, 484. 

Warburg's tincture, 
444. 
Warm baths, 114. 
Warming plaster, 494. 
Wash, black, 206. 

— yellow, 193. 
Washed sulphur, 242. 
Washing soda, 133. 
Water, in. 

— distilled, in. 
Waters, 19. 
Waukesha, 149. 
Wax, 664. 

— yellow, 664. 

— white, 664. 
Weights, 16. 

Weld's syrup of ferric chlo- 
ride, 188. 
Wheat flour, 635. 
Whiskey, 263. 



White corpuscles, drugs act 
ing on, 52, 

— arsenic, 211. 

— castile soap, 574. 

— lead, 161. 

— mustard, 496. 

— oak, 561. 

— precipitate, 202. 
ointment, 202. 

— vitriol, 169. 

— wax, 664. 

— wine, 263. 
Wild cherry, 619. 
Wine of iron, bitter, 185. 

— red, 263. 

— Rhine, 266. 

— white, 263. 
Wines, 34. 
Wintergreen, oil of, 450. 

— artificial oil of, 450. 

— synthetic oil of, 450. 
Witchhazel, 569. 
Wolfsbane, 410. 
Wood charcoal, 259. 

— wool, 637. 

Woody nightshade, 601. 
Wool fat, 662. 

hydrous, 662. 

Wormseed, American, 595. 
oil of, 59s 

— Levant, 593. 
Wormwood, 525. 
Woorara, 384. 
Wourali, 384. 
Wourari, 384. 



V ANTfrOXYLON, 640. 

Xantho'xylum, 640. 



YEAST, 636. 

Yellow dock, 572. 
— jasmine, 377. 



Yellow mercuric oxide, 200. 
subsulphate, 203. 

— mercurous iodide, 201. 

— parilla, 642. 

— prussiate of potash, 127. 

— puccoon, 453. 

— wash, 193. 

— wax, 664. 
Ye'rba Sa'nta, 432. 
YoJk of egg, 659. 

VANZIBAR aloes, 470. 

Ze'a, 599. 
Zinc, 168. 

— acetate, 170. 

— bromide, 238. 

— butter of, 168. 

— carbonate, precipitated, 

169. 

— chloride, 168. 
solution, 169. 

— iodide, 233. 

— oleate, 170. 

— oxide, 170. 
ointment, 170. 

— phosphide, 226. 

— sulphate, 169. 

— sulphocarbolate, 312. 

— valerianate, 529. 
Zi'nci ace'tas, 170. . 

— bro'midum, 238. 

— ca'rbonas prascipita'tus 

169. 

— chlo'ridum, 168. 

— io'didum, 233. 

— o'xidum, 1 70. 

— pho'sphidum, 226. 

— su'lphas, 169. 

— sulphoca'rbolas, 312. 

— valeria'nas, 529. 
Zi'ncum, 168. 
Zi'ngiber, 514. 
Zymine, 652, 656.] 



THE END. 



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10 SUBJECT CATALOGUE. 

GOUT AND RHEUMATISM. 

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HEART. 

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MEDICAL BOOKS. 11 



HYGIENE AND WATER ANALYSIS. 

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SAYRE. Organic Materia Medica and Pharmacognosy. An 

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BEALE. How to Work with the Microscope. A Complete 
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CARPENTER. The Microscope and Its Revelations. 8th 

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WETHERED. Medical Microscopy. A Guide to the Use of the 

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14 SUBJECT CATALOGUE. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

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OBSTETRICS. 

BAR. Antiseptic Midwifery. The Principles of Antiseptic Meth- 
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16 SUBJECT CATALOGUE. 

CAZEAUX AND TARNIER. Midwifery. With Appendix by 
Mund6. The Theory and Practice of Obstetrics, including the Dis- 
eases of Pregnancy and Parturition, Obstetrical Operations, etc. 
8th Edition. Illustrated by Chromo- Lithographs, Lithographs, and 
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numerous Wood Engravings. Cloth, $4.50 ; Full Leather, $5.50 

DAVIS. A Manual of Obstetrics. Being a Complete Manual for 
Physicians and Students. 3d Enlarged and Revised Edition. With 
Colored and many other Illustrations. In Press. 

JELLETT. The Practice of Midwifery. Illustrated. $1.75 

LANDIS. Compend of Obstetrics. 5th Edition, Revised by Wm. 
H. Wells, Assistant Demonstrator of Clinical Obstetrics, Jefferson 
Medical College. With many Illustrations, .80 ; Interleaved, $1.25. 

SCHULTZE. Obstetrical Diagrams. Being a series of 20 Col- 
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wifery, with accompanying explanatory (German) text illustrated 
by Wood Cuts. 2d Revised Edition. 

Price in Sheets, $26.00 ; Mounted on Rollers, Muslin Backs, $36.00 

STRAHAN. Extra-Uterine Pregnancy. The Diagnosis and 
Treatment of Extra-Uterine Pregnancy. .75 

WINCKEL. Text-Book of Obstetrics, Including the Pathol- 
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Translation by J. Clifton Edgar, a.m., m.d. With nearly 200 Illus- 
trations. Cloth, $5.00; Leather, $6.00 

FULLERTON. Obstetric Nursing. 4th Ed. Illustrated. $1.00 

SHIBATA. Obstetrical Pocket-Phantom with Movable Child 
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PATHOLOGY. 

BARLOW. General Pathology. 795 pages. 8vo. $5.00 

BLACKBURN. Autopsies. A Manual of Autopsies Designed for 
the Use of Hospitals for the Insane and other Public Institutions. 
Ten full-page Plates and other Illustrations. $ I - 2 5 

BLODGETT. Dental Pathology. By Albert N. Blodgett, 
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College. 33 Illustrations. $1-25 

COPLIN. Manual of Pathology. Including Bacteriology, Technic 
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GILLIAM. Pathology. A Hand-Book for Students. 47 Illus. .75 

HALL. Compend of General Pathology and Morbid Anatomy. 
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HEWLETT. Manual of Bacteriology. 75 Illustrations. Just 
Ready. $3-oo 

VIRCHOW. Post-Mortem Examinations. A Description and 
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WHITACRE. Laboratory Text-Book of Pathology. With 
121 Illustrations. Just Ready. $1.50 

PHARMACY. 

Special Catalogue 0/ Books on Pharmacy sent free upon application- 
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2d Edition, Revised and Enlarged. 437 Illus. Cloth, $3.50 ; Sh., $4 50 



MEDICAL BOOKS. 17 



BEASLEY. Book of 3100 Prescriptions. Collected from the 
Practice of the Most Eminent Physicians and Surgeons — English, 
French, and American. A Compendious History of the Materia 
Medica, Lists of the Doses of all the Officinal and Established Pre- 
parations, an Index of Diseases and their Remedies. 7th Ed. $2.00 

BEASLEY. Druggists' General Receipt Book. Comprising 
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Medicines, Druggists' Nostrums, etc. ; Perfumery and Cosmetics, 
Beverages, Dietetic Articles and Condiments, Trade Chemicals, 
Scientific Processes, and many Useful Tables. 10th Ed. $2.00 

BEASLEY. Pocket Formulary. A Synopsis of the British and 
Foreign Pharmacopoeias. Comprising Standard and Approved 
Formulas for the Preparations and Compounds Employed in Medical 
Practice. 12th Edition. In Press. 

PROCTOR. Practical Pharmacy. Lectures on Practical Phar- 
macy. With Wood Engravings and 32 Lithographic Fac-simile 
Prescriptions. 3d Edition, Revised, and with Elaborate Tables of 
Chemical Solubilities, etc. $3-°° 

ROBINSON. Latin Grammar of Pharmacy and Medicine. 
2d Edition. With elaborate Vocabularies. $i-75 

SAYRE. Organic Materia Medica and Pharmacognosy. An 
Introduction to the Study of the Vegetable Kingdom and the Vege- 
table and Animal Drugs. Comprising the Botanical and Physical 
Characteristics, Source, Constituents, and Pharmacopeial Prepar- 
ations. With Chapters on Synthetic Organic Remedies, Insects 
Injurious to Drugs, and Pharmacal Botany A Glossary and 543 
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SCOVILLE. The Art of Compounding. Second Edition, Re- 
vised and Enlarged. Just Ready. Cloth, $2.50; Sheep, $3.50 

STEWART. Compend of Pharmacy. Based upon " Reming- 
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Metric and English Weights and Measures. .80; Interleaved, $1.25 

UNITED STATES PHARMACOPOZIA. 1890. 7th Decennial 
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Select Tables from the U. S. P. (1890). Being Nine of the Most 
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POTTER. Hand-Book of Materia Medica, Pharmacy, and 
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Cloth, $4 50; Sheep, $5.50 

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PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS. 

BROWN. Medical Diagnosis. A Manual of Clinical Methods. 
4th Ed. 112 Illnstrations. Just Ready. Cloth, $2.25 

FENWICK. Medical Diagnosis. 8th Edition. Rewritten and 
very much Enlarged. 135 Illustrations. Cloth, $2.50 

TYSON. Hand-Book of Physical Diagnosis. For Students and 
Physicians. By the Professor of Clinical Medicine in the University 
of Pennsylvania. Illus. 3d Ed., Improved and Enlarged. With 
Colored and other Illustrations. Just Ready. $ 1 -50 

MEMMINGER. Diagnosis by the Urine. 23 Illus. $1.00 

2 



18 SUBJECT CATALOGUE. 

PHYSIOLOGY. 

BRUBAKER. Compend of Physiology. 8th Edition, Revised 
and Enlarged. Illustrated. .80; Interleaved, $1.25 

KIRKE. Physiology. (14th Authorized Edition. Dark-Red Cloth.) 
A Hand-Book of Physiology. 14th Edition, Revised and Enlarged. 
By Prof. W. D Halliburton, of Kings College, London. 661 
Illustrations, some of which are printed in colors. 

Cloth, $3.00; Leather, $3.25 

LANDOIS. A Text-Book of Human Physiology, Including' 
Histology and Microscopical Anatomy, with Special Reference to 
the Requirements of Practical Medicine. 5th American, translated 
from the 9th German Edition, with Additions by Wm. Stirling, 
m.d.,d.sc. 845 lllus., many of which are printed in colors. In Press. 

STARLING. Elements of Human Physiology. 100 Ills. $1.00 

STIRLING. Outlines of Practical Physiology. Including 
Chemical and Experimental Physiology, with Special Reference to 
Practical Medicine. 3d Edition. 289 Illustrations. $2.00 

TYSON. Cell Doctrine. Its History and Present State. $1.50 

YEO. Manual of Physiology. A Text-Book for Students of 
Medicine. By Gerald F. Yeo, m.d., f.r.c.s. 6th Edition. 254 
Illustrations and a Glossary. Cloth, $2. 50 ; Leather, $3.00 

PRACTICE. 

BEALE. On Slight Ailments; their Nature and Treatment. 

2d Edition, Enlarged and Illustrated. $ I -^5 

CHARTERIS. Practice of Medicine. 6th Edition. $2.00 

FOWLER. Dictionary of Practical Medicine. By various 

writers. An Encyclopaedia of Medicine. Clo.,$3.oo; Half Mor. $4.00 

HUGHES. Compend of the Practice of Medicine. 5th Edition, 

Revised and Enlarged. 

Part I. Continued, Eruptive, and Periodical Fevers, Diseases of the 
Stomach, Intestines, Peritoneum, Biliary Passages, Liver, Kid- 
neys, etc., and General Diseases, etc. 
Part II. Diseases of the Respiratory System, Circulatory System, 
and Nervous System; Diseases of the Blood, etc. 

Price of each part, .80; Interleaved, $1.25 
Physician's Edition. In one volume, including the above two 
parts, a Section on Skin Diseases, and an Index. 5th Revised, 
Enlarged Edition. 568 pp. Full Morocco, Gilt Edge, $2.25 

ROBERTS. The Theory and Practice of Medicine. The 
Sections on Treatment are especially exhaustive. 9th Edition, 
with Illustrations. Cloth, $4.50; Leather, $5. 50 

TAYLOR. Practice of Medicine. Cloth, $2.00 ; Sheep, $2.50 

TYSON. The Practice of Medicine. By James Tyson, m.d., 
Professor of Clinical Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania. 
A Complete Systematic Text-book with Special Reference to Diag- 
nosis and Treatment. Illustrated. 8vo. 

Cloth, $5.50; Leather, $6 50 ; Half Russia, $7. 50 

PRESCRIPTION BOOKS. 

BEASLEY. Book of 3100 Prescriptions. Collected from the 
Practice of the Most Eminent Physicians and Surgeons — English, 
French, and American. A Compendious History of the Materia, 
Medica, Lists of the Doses of all Officinal and Established Prepara- 
tions, and an Index of Diseases and their Remedies. 7th Ed. $2.00 



MEDICAL BOOKS. 19 



BEASLEY. Druggists' General Receipt Book. Comprising 
a Copious Veterinary Formulary, Recipes in Patent and Proprie- 
tary Medicines, Druggists' Nostrums, etc. ; Perfumery and Cos- 
metics, Beverages, Dietetic Articles and Condiments, Trade Chem- 
icals, Scientific Processes, and an Appendix of Useful Tables, 
ioth Edition, Revised. $2.00 

BEASLEY. Pocket Formulary. A Synopsis of the British and 
Foreign Pharmacopoeias. Comprising Standard Formulae for the 
various Preparations and Compounds, nth Edition. Cloth, $2.00 

PEREIRA. Prescription Book. Containing Lists of Phrases 
and Abbreviations Used in Prescriptions, Grammatical Construction 
of Prescriptions, etc. 16th Edition. Cloth, .75 ; Tucks, $1. 00 

WYTHE. Dose and Symptom Book. Containing the Doses and 

Uses of all the Principal Articles of the Materia Medica. 17th Ed. 

Cloth, .75 ; Leather, with Tucks and Pocket, #1.00 

SKIN. 

BULKLEY. The Skin in Health and Disease. Illustrated. .40 
CROCKER. Diseases of the Skin. Their Description, Pathol- 
ogy, Diagnosis, and Treatment, with Special Reference to the Skin 
Eruptions of Children. 92 Illus. 2d Edition. Cloth, #4. 50 ; Sh., $5.50 
IMPEY. Leprosy. 37 Plates. 8vo. #3.50 

SCHAMBERG. Diseases of the Skin. 99 Illustrations. Being 
No. 16? Quiz-Compend? Series. Cloth, .80; Interleaved, $1.25 

VAN HARLINGEN. On Skin Diseases. A Practical Manual 
of Diagnosis and Treatment, with special reference to Differential 
Diagnosis. 3d Edition, Revised and Enlarged. With Formulae 
and 60 Illustrations, some of which are printed in colors. $2.75 

SURGERY AND SURGICAL DIS- 
EASES. 

CAIRD AND CATHCART. Surgical Hand-Book. 5th Edition, 
Revised. 188 Illustrations. Full Red Morocco, #2.50 

DEAVER. Appendicitis, Its Symptoms, Diagnosis, Pathol- 
ogy, Treatment, and Complications. Elaborately Illustrated 
with Colored Plates and other Illustrations. Cloth, $3.50 

DEAVER. Surgical Anatomy. With 200 Illustrations, Drawn by a 
Special Artist from Directions made for the Purpose. In Preparation. 

DULLES. What to Do First in Accidents and Poisoning. 
5th Edition. New Illustrations. $1.00 

HACKER. Antiseptic Treatment of Wounds, According to 
the Method in Use at Professor Billroth's Clinic, Vienna. .50 

HAMILTON. Lectures on Tumors, from a Clinical Stand- 
point. Third Edition, Revised, with New Illustrations. $!-25 

HEATH. Minor Surgery and Bandaging, ioth Ed., Revised 
and Enlarged. 158 Illustrations, 62 Formulae, Diet List, etc. $1.25 

HEATH. Injuries and Diseases of the Jaws. 4th Edition. 
187 Illustrations. #4-5o 

HEATH. Lectures on Certain Diseases of the Jaws. 64 Illus- 
trations. Boards, .50 

HORWITZ. Compend of Surgery and Bandaging, including 
Minor Surgery, Amputations, Fractures, Dislocations, Surgical Dis- 
eases, and the Latest Antiseptic Rules, etc., with Differential Diagno- 
sis and Treatment. 5th Edition, very much Enlarged and Rear- 
ranged. 167 Illustrations, 98 Formulae. Clo., .80; Interleaved, $1. 25 



20 SUBJECT CATALOGUE. 

JACOBSON. Operations of Surgery. Over 200 Illustrations. 

Cloth, $3.00 ; Leather, $4.00 
JACOBSON. Diseases of the Male Organs of Generation. 

88 Illustrations. $6.00 

MACREADY. A Treatise on Ruptures. 24 Full-page Litho- 
graphed Plates and Numerous Wood Engravings. Cloth, #6.00 
MAYLARD. Surgery of the Alimentary Canal. 134 lllus. #7.50 

MOULLIN. Text-Book of Surgery. With Special Reference to 
Treatment. 3d American Edition. Revised and edited by John B. 
Hamilton, m.d., ll.d., Professor of the Principles of Surgery and 
Clinical Surgery, Rush Medical College, Chicago. 623 Illustrations, 
over 200 of which are original, and many of which are printed in 
colors. Handsome Cloth, #6.00; Leather, $7.00 

" The aim to make this valuable treatise practical by giving special 

attention to questions of treatment has been admirably carried out. 

Many a reader will consult the work with a feeling of satisfaction that 

his wants have been understood, and that they have been intelligently 

met." — The American Journal of Medical Science. 

ROBERTS. Fractures of the Radius. A Clinical and Patho- 
logical Study. 33 Illustrations. $1.00 
SMITH. Abdominal Surgery. Being a Systematic Description ot 
all the Principal Operations. 224 lllus. 6th Ed. 2 Vols. Clo., $10.00 
SWAIN Surgical Emergencies. Fifth Edition. Cloth, $1.75 
VOSWINKEL. Surgical Nursing, in Illustrations. $1.00 
WALSHAM. Manual of Practical Surgery. 5th Ed., Re- 
vised and Enlarged. With 380 Engravings. Clo., $2.00; Lea., $2.50 
WATSON. On Amputations of the Extremities and Their 
Complications. 250 Illustrations. $550 



THROAT AND NOSE (see also Ear). 
COHEN. The Throat and Voice. Illustrated. .40 

HALL. Diseases of the Nose and Throat. Two Colored 

Plates and 59 Illustrations $2.50 

HOLLOPETER. Hay Fever. Its Successful Treatment. $i.co 

HUTCHINSON. The Nose and Throat. Including the Nose, 

Naso- Pharynx, Pharynx, and Larynx. Illustrated by Lithograph 

Plates and 40 other Illustrations. 2d Edition. In Press. 

MACKENZIE. Pharmacopoeia of the London Hospital for 
Dis. of the Throat. 5th Ed., Revised by Dr. F. G. Harvey $1.00 

McBRIDE. Diseases of the Throat, Nose, and Ear. A Clinical 
Manual. With colored lllus from original drawings. 2d Ed. $6.00 

POTTER. Speech and its Defects. Considered Physiologically, 
Pathologically, and Remedially. $1.00 



URINE AND URINARY ORGANS. 

ACTON. The Functions and Disorders of the Reproductive 
Organs in Childhood, Youth, Adult Age, and Advanced Life, 
Considered in their Physiological, Social, and Moral Relations. 
8th Edition. $i-75 

ALLEN. Albuminous and Diabetic Urine. lllus. $2.25 



MEDICAL BOOKS. 21 



BROCKBANK. Gall Stones. $2.25 

BEALE. One Hundred Urinary Deposits. On eight sheets, 
for the Hospital, Laboratory, or Surgery. Paper, #2.00 

HOLLAND. The Urine, the Gastric Contents, the Common 
Poisons, and the Milk. Memoranda, Chemical and Microscopi- 
cal, for Laboratory Use. Illustrated and Interleaved. 5th Ed. #1.00 
MEMMINGER. Diagnosis by the Urine. 23 Illus. #1.00 

MOULLIN. Enlargement of the Prostate. Its Treatment and 
Radical Cure. 2d Edition. Illustrated. In Press. 

MOULLIN. Inflammation of the Bladder and Urinary Fever. 
Octavo. Just Ready. $1.50 

THOMPSON. Diseases of the Urinary Organs. 8th Ed. $3.00 
TYSON. Guide to Examination of the Urine. For the Use of 
Physicians and Students. With Colored Plate and Numerous Illus- 
trations engraved on wood. 9th Edition, Revised. $1.25 
VAN NUYS. Chemical Analysis of Healthy and Diseased 
Urine, Qualitative and Quantitative. 39 Illustrations. $1.00 



VENEREAL DISEASES. 

COOPER. Syphilis. 2d Edition, Enlarged and Illustrated with 

20 full-page Plates. $5.00 

GOWERS. Syphilis and the Nervous System. 1 00 

TACOBSON. Diseases of the Male Organs of Generation. 88 

Illustrations. $6.00 

VETERINARY. 

ARMATAGE. The Veterinarian's Pocket Remembrancer. 

Being Concise Directions for the Treatment of Urgent or Rare Cases, 
Embracing Semeiology, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Surgery, Treatment, 
etc. 2d Edition. Boards, $1. 00 

BALLOU. Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology. 29 Graphic 
Illustrations. .80; Interleaved, $1.25 

TUSON. Veterinary Pharmacopoeia. Including the Outlines of 
Materia Medica and Therapeutics. 5th Edition. $2.25 



WOMEN, DISEASES OF. 

BYFORD (H. T.). Manual of Gynecology. Second Edition, 
Revised and Enlarged by 100 pages. With 341 Illustrations, many 
of which are from original drawings. $3 00 

BYFORD (W. H.). Diseases of Women. 4th Edition. 306 
Illustrations. Cloth, $2.00 

DUHRSSEN. A Manual of Gynecological Practice. 105 

Illustrations. $ 1 -S° 

LEWERS. Diseases of Women. 146 Illus. 5th Ed. $2 50 

WELLS. Compend of Gynecology. Illus. .80; Interleaved, #1.25 

FULLERTON. Nursing in Abdominal Surgery and Diseases 
of Women. 2d Edition. 70 Illustrations. $1.50 



22 SUBJECT CATALOGUE. 

COMPENDS. 



From The Southern Clinic. 

" We know of no series of books issued by any house that so fully 
meets our approval as these ?Quiz-Compends?. They are well ar- 
ranged, full, and concise, and are really the best line of text-books that 
could be found for either student or practitioner." 



BLAKISTON'S ?QUIZ-COMPENDS? 

The Best Series of Manuals for the Use of Students. 
Price of each, Cloth, .80. Interleaved, for taking Notes, $1.25. 

-ftjf* These Compends are based on the most popular text-books 
and the lectures of prominent professors, and are kept constantly re- 
vised, so that they may thoroughly represent the present state of the 
subjects upon which they treat. 

4®* The authors have had large experience as Quiz-Masters and 
attaches of colleges, and are well acquainted with the wants of students. 

j83* They are arranged in the most approved form, thorough and 
concise, containing over 6oo fine illustrations, inserted wherever they 
could be used to advantage. 

4®* Can be used by students ot any college. 

>ft^~ They contain information nowhere "else collected in such a 
condensed, practical shape. Illustrated Circular free. 

No. x. POTTER. HUMAN ANATOMY. Fifth Revised and 

Enlarged Edition. Including Visceral Anatomy. Can be used 
with either Morris's or Gray's Anatomy. 117 Illustrations and 16 
Lithographic Plates of Nerves and Arteries, with Explanatory 
Tables, etc. By Samuel O. L. Potter, m.d., Professor of the 
Practice of Medicine, Cooper Medical College, San Francisco ; late 
A. A. Surgeon, U. S. Army. 

No. 2. HUGHES. PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. Part I. Fifth 
Edition, Enlarged and Improved. By Daniel E. Hughes, m.d., 
Physician-in-Chief, Philadelphia Hospital, late Demonstrator ot 
Clinical Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Phila. 

No. 3. HUGHES. PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. Part II. 
Fifth Edition, Revised and Improved. Same author as No. 2. 

No. 4. BRUBAKER. PHYSIOLOGY. Eighth Edition, with 
new Illustrations and a table of Physiological Constants. Enlarged 
and Revised. By A. P. Brubaker, m.d., Professor of Physiology 
and General Pathology in the Pennsylvania College of Dental 
Surgery ; Demonstrator of Physiology, Jefferson Medical College, 
Philadelphia. 

No. 5. LANDIS. OBSTETRICS. Fifth Edition. By Henry G. 
Landis, m.d. Revised and Edited by Wm, H. Wells, m.d., 
Assistant Demonstrator of Obstetrics, Jefferson Medical College, 
Philadelphia. Enlarged. 47 Illustrations. 

No. 6. POTTER. MATERIA MEDICA, THERAPEUTICS, 
AND PRESCRIPTION WRITING. Sixth Revised Edition 
(U. S. P. 1890). By Samuel O. L. Potter, m.d., Professor of 
Practice, Cooper Medical College, San Francisco ; late A. A. Sur- 
geon, U. S. Army. 



Catalogue No. 8. July, 1898, 

CLASSIFIED SUBJECT 
CATALOGUE 

OF 

MEDICAL BOOKS 

AND 

Books on Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, 
Chemistry, Hygiene, Etc., Etc., 

PUBLISHED BY 

P. Blakistons Son & Co., 

Medical Publishers and Booksellers, 

1012 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 



SPECIAL NOTE. — The prices given in this catalogue are 
absolutely net, no discount will be allowed retail purchasers 
under any consideration. This rule has been established in 
order that everyone will be treated alike, a general reduction 
in former prices having been made to meet previous retail dis- 
counts. Upon receipt of the advertised price any book will 
be forwarded by mail or express, all charges prepaid. 



We keep a large stock of Miscellaneous Books, not on this 
catalogue, relating to Medicine and Allied Sciences, pub- 
lished in this country and abroad. Inquiries in regard to 
prices, date of edition, etc., will receive prompt attention. 



Special Catalogues of Books on Pharmacy, Dentistry, 
Chemistry, Hygiene, and Nursing will be sent free upon 
application. 

4S-SEE NEXT PAGE FOR SUBJECT INDEX. 



Gonld's Dictionaries, Page 8. 



fm 



SUBJECT INDEX 



PJl 






I / 

GGg- Any books not on this Catalogue we will furnish a price 
for upon application. 



SUBJECT. PAGE 

Alimentary Canal (see Surgery) 19 

Anatomy 3 

Anesthetics 3 

Autopsies (see Pathology) 16 

Bacteriology (see Pathology) . 16 

Bandaging (see Surgery) 19 

Brain 4 

Chemistry 4 

Children, Diseases of 6 

■Clinical Charts 6 

Compends 22, 23 

Consumption (see Lungs) 12 

Dentistry 7 

Diagnosis 17 

Diagrams (see Anatomy, page 
3, and Obstetrics, page 16). 

Dictionaries 8 

Diet and Food (see Miscella- 
neous) 14 

Dissectors 3 

Domestic Medicine 10 

Ear 8 

Electricity 9 

Emergencies (see Surgery) 19 

Eye 9 

Fevers 9 

Gout 10 

Gynecology 21 

Hay Fever 20 

Headaches 10 

Heart 10 

Histology 10 

Hospitals (see Hygiene) n 

Hygiene 11 

Insanity 4 

Latin, Medical (see Miscella- 
neous and Pharmacy) 14, 16 

Lungs 12 

Massage 12 

Materia Medica 12 

Medical Jurisprudence 13 

Microscopy 13 

Milk Analysis (see Chemistry) 4 
Miscellaneous 14 



SUBJECT. PAGE 

Nervous Diseases 14 

Nose 20 

Nursing 15 

Obstetrics 16 

Ophthalmology 9 

Osteology (see Anatomy) 3 

Pathology 16 

Pharmacy 16 

Physical Diagnosis 17 

Physical Training (see Miscel- 
laneous) 14 

Physiology 18 

Poisons (see Toxicology) 13 

Popular Medicine 10 

Practice of Medicine 18 

Prescription Books 18 

Railroad Injuries (see Nervous 

Diseases) 14 

Refraction (see Eye) 9 

Rheumatism 10 

Sanitary Science 11 

Skin 19 

Spectacles (see Eye) 9 

Spine (see Nervous Diseases) 14 
Stomach (see Miscellaneous)... 14 

Students' Compends 22, 23 

Surgery and Surg. Diseases... 19 

Syphilis 21 

Technological Books 4 

Temperature Charts 6 

Therapeutics 12 

Throat 20 

Toxicology 13 

Tumors (see Surgery) 19 

U. S. Pharmacopoeia 16 

Urinary Organs 20 

Urine... 20 

Venereal Diseases 21 

Veterinary Medicine 21 

Visiting Lists, Physicians'. 

{Send for Special Circular!) 
Water Analysis (see Chemis- 
try) 11 

Women, Diseases of. 21 



Egjg* The prices as given in this Catalogue are net. Cloth 
binding, unless otherwise specified. No discount can be 
allowed under any circumstances. Any book will be sent, 
postpaid, upon receipt of advertised price. 






